The traditionalist Catholic group, the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), went ahead with the consecration of four bishops in Switzerland on Wednesday despite explicit opposition from Pope Leo XIV. The move directly challenged the Vatican's authority, as Church law requires papal approval for such consecrations. According to canon law, conducting a bishop's consecration without a papal mandate results in automatic excommunication and is considered a schismatic act. However, the SSPX rejected both consequences and proceeded with the ceremony.
The event took place at the SSPX seminary in Écône, Switzerland, where thousands of supporters gathered. The group defended its decision, saying the consecrations were necessary to preserve traditional Catholic teachings and continue its religious mission. Pope Leo had previously warned that the action was a grave sin that could harm the faithful, but the society maintained its stance.
The ceremony featured a large procession of priests and was attended by followers devoted to the traditional Latin Mass. Organizers also livestreamed the event in multiple languages, highlighting the movement's international following. During the Mass, a statement was read defending the consecrations and criticizing what the SSPX sees as the Catholic Church's departure from longstanding traditions.
Bishop Alfonso de Galarreta, himself consecrated without papal approval in 1988, performed the rite by laying hands on the four new bishops, a symbolic act signifying the transmission of spiritual authority.
Although Church law considers the act grounds for automatic excommunication and schism, the atmosphere at the gathering was celebratory. Attendees included clergy, nuns, volunteers, and supporters from various countries. The event was heavily organized, with commemorative merchandise and extensive preparations emphasizing its significance to the movement.
SSPX leaders said they were aware of the possible consequences but believed the need to preserve Catholic tradition outweighed any penalties. They argued that sanctions imposed by the Church would be invalid because they were acting out of necessity. The group's leadership also appealed to Pope Leo to refrain from imposing punishments.
The timing of the ceremony was notable, taking place exactly 38 years after the Vatican declared similar SSPX bishop consecrations in 1988 to be schismatic and subject to excommunication. The society was founded by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre in opposition to reforms introduced by the Second Vatican Council, including changes to the Mass and the Church's approach to other religions.
Today, the SSPX continues to promote the traditional Latin Mass and argues that modern Catholicism has embraced theological errors. The group says additional bishops are needed because only two of its original four bishops remain alive and because it serves hundreds of places of worship across dozens of countries. According to the SSPX, the consecrations were intended to ensure the continuation of priestly ordinations and confirmations according to traditional rites, not to challenge the pope's authority.
The four newly consecrated bishops are Pascal Schreiber of Switzerland, Michael Goldade of the United States, Michel Poinsinet de Sivry of France, and Marc Hanappier of France. However, many Catholics—including some conservatives and traditionalists—criticized the move, arguing that fidelity to tradition cannot come at the expense of obedience to Church authority.
The consecrations have once again highlighted the longstanding conflict between the Vatican and the SSPX, with the society insisting it is acting out of necessity while the Church views the action as a serious breach of ecclesiastical unity.
