Pope Leo XIV has issued a letter to the traditionalist Priestly Society of Saint Pius In a letter published on June 30, the eve of the episcopal consecrations in Écône, Switzerland, the pope made a final appeal to the superior general of the SSPX, Father Davide Pagliarani, not to commit this “schismatic act”.
“In this spirit, and full of Christian affection, I beseech you and ask you with all my heart: please go back!” wrote the pontiff. “I urge you to carefully consider the spiritual good of the faithful, because the schismatic act you are about to perform would deprive them of the licit and, in some cases, even valid reception of the sacraments, which they love and seek for their sanctification,” stated Leo XIV in his letter.
The pontiff also warned the SSPX about the serious consequences of planned episcopal consecrations, calling them “a sin of the utmost gravity.” “I pray for you, because tearing the seamless robe of Christ is a sin of the utmost gravity,” the pope wrote. “May the Lord enlighten your consciences and awaken your hearts.”
The Vatican declared on May 13 that the consecrations would be a schismatic act, resulting in automatic excommunication for the consecrating bishops and those who are consecrated. On June 16, Pope Leo XIV warned the SSPX that the planned episcopal consecrations risked a schism and said he and the Holy See were preparing a final appeal to the society.
The SSPX exclusively celebrates the Tridentine Mass in Latin and has rejected certain teachings and reforms of the Second Vatican Council, particularly regarding religious freedom and the Church’s approach to other religions. The SSPX did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication.
©2026 Catholic News Agency. Published with permission. Original in English: Pope Leo