Vatican warns SSPX against incurring schism

In the statement, the Argentine prefect noted he is reiterating “what has already been communicated” to the FSSPX last February, after the group announced its intention to ordain several bishops. These episcopal ordinations, he stressed, “do not have the requisite papal mandate.”

They do have a historical precedent. On June 30, 1988, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, the founder of the FSSPX, illicitly consecrated four bishops in Écône, Switzerland, against the will of Rome. All the participating bishops were excommunicated in the aftermath.

Cardinal Fernández referred to the motu proprio Ecclesia Dei — a papal decree published by Pope John Paul II two days after those 1988 consecrations — to declare that such ordinations are “a schismatic act.” This implies a formal separation from the Catholic Church, a claim the FSSPX consistently denies.

He further explained that “formal adherence to the schism constitutes a grave offense against God and entails the excommunication established under Church law.”

Finally, Cardinal Fernández added that Pope Leo XIV, who hasn't met with the FSSPX leadership, “continues in his prayers to ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten those responsible for the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X so that they may reconsider the extremely grave decision they have taken.”

According to a Vatican source, this communication is a final attempt at conciliation by the Holy See as the date of the ordinations — coming up on July 1 — draws near.