The Vatican has ordered an ultratraditionalist Catholic group to reverse its decision to independently ordain new bishops, a move that sparked a crisis within the Church.
The Vatican has intervened decisively against a group of ultratraditionalist Catholics known as the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), ordering them to halt their plan to ordain new bishops without authorization. This unexpected announcement comes following the group's declaration that they intended to proceed with such ordinations on July 1. The group's leader, Father Davide Pagliarani, claimed the action was necessary after a frustrating engagement with the Vatican, although the Church strictly maintains that the appointment of bishops is solely within the papal authority.
The Society of St. Pius X, founded by Bishop Marcel Lefebvre in the 1970s, has long been at odds with the Vatican, particularly over issues concerning traditionalist interpretations of Catholic doctrine and practices. The decision made by the SSPX to act independently has been viewed as a blatant challenge to papal authority, which could lead to further canonical sanctions if they proceed. The Pope’s strong response indicates the Vatican's intention to assert control and mitigate any potential schism that may arise from SSPX's actions.
This situation highlights ongoing tensions within the Catholic Church surrounding the balance of traditionalism and modernity, as well as the influence of groups like the SSPX that seek to preserve pre-Vatican II practices. As representatives from the SSPX met with Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández this week, the outcome of this dialogue will be crucial for understanding not just the SSPX's future, but the broader implications for the Catholic Church's unity and governance.
