The traditionalist Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) has issued a defiant open letter and an accompanying 28-page declaration of faith addressed to Pope Leo XIV and the College of Cardinals.
The letter, published on June 24, asserts the group’s steadfast adherence to Catholic tradition while confirming highly controversial plans to consecrate four new bishops without a papal mandate on July 1.
Declaration of traditionalist stance
The Catholic Herald reported that the publication of this extensive document comes directly before a Vatican consistory.
The society expressed its view that the Catholic Church is currently facing intense modern pressures from both within and without, stating that it remains the role of two-thousand-year tradition, rather than continuous development, to provide guidance.
Reporting from EWTN News outlines that the open letter was signed by senior SSPX leadership figures, including superior general Father Davide Pagliarani and Bishop Bernard Fellay, who was originally excommunicated in 1988 before Pope Benedict XVI lifted the penalty in 2009.
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Rejecting modern reforms
The comprehensive text doubles down on long-standing traditionalist objections to the theological updates introduced by the Second Vatican Council.
The SSPX explicitly rejected post-conciliar liturgical modifications, religious freedom, ecumenism and the current emphasis on synodality, which they claim risks transforming the Catholic Church into a democratic, parliamentary structure.
The group argued instead that heads of state have a fundamental duty to favour the Catholic Church and actively oppose alternative forms of worship.
Threat of a schismatic act
The Holy See has responded firmly to this development.
According to The Guardian, the Vatican warned that proceeding with the unauthorised ordinations would constitute a formal schismatic act, triggering automatic excommunication for those involved.
Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernandez, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, had previously offered to continue dialogue if the society suspended its consecration plans, an offer that was ultimately declined.
Pope Leo XIV stated on June 16, that while division is always painful, the choice to proceed remains theirs, noting that the group refuses to accept fundamental conciliar teachings.
True unity within the Church cannot be detached from charity and adherence to hierarchical communion.
As the July deadline approaches, the deepening impasse highlights a widening rift between mainstream Vatican leadership and traditionalist factions.
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