Pope Leo XIV has issued a letter to the traditionalist Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) asking them not to proceed with their planned July 1 consecrations without papal approval.
In a letter published June 30, the eve of the episcopal consecrations in Écône, Switzerland, the pope issued a final appeal to the SSPX superior general, Fr. Davide Pagliarani, not to commit this “schismatic act.”
“In this spirit, and filled with Christian affection, I plead with you and ask you with all my heart: please turn back!”
“I urge you to consider the spiritual good of the faithful carefully, because the schismatic act you are about to undertake would deprive them of the licit and, in some cases, even valid reception of the Sacraments, which they love and seek for their sanctification,” Leo wrote in his letter.
The pontiff also warned the SSPX of the serious consequences of their planned episcopal consecrations, calling it “a sin of extreme gravity.”
“I pray for you, because to tear the seamless garment of Christ is a sin of extreme gravity,” Leo wrote. “May the Lord enlighten your consciences and awaken your hearts.
The Vatican stated on May 13 that the consecrations would be a schismatic act, resulting in automatic excommunication for the consecrating bishops and those consecrated.
On June 16, Pope Leo warned the SSPX that their planned episcopal consecrations risked schism and said that he and the Holy See were preparing a final appeal to the society.
The SSPX exclusively celebrates the Traditional Latin Mass and has rejected certain teachings and reforms of the Second Vatican Council, particularly regarding religious freedom and the Church’s approach to other faiths.
SSPX did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication.