Pope Leo XIV excommunicated the bishops of the Society of St. Pius X on July 2, 2026 [2], declaring the group to be in formal schism.
The move marks a severe escalation in the conflict between the Vatican and the ultra-conservative group, which has operated for 56 years [3]. By removing the group's leadership from the church, the Pope is asserting central authority over the appointment of bishops and the interpretation of Catholic doctrine.
The conflict reached a breaking point after the Society of St. Pius X ordained four bishops [1] in Switzerland without receiving permission from the Holy See. The Vatican said this act of defiance created a formal schism, as the appointment of bishops is reserved for the papacy.
"The Holy See has declared the Society of St. Pius X to be in formal schism," a Vatican spokesperson said [1].
Reports on the scope of the decree vary. Some sources state that the excommunication extends to all members of the group [1], while others indicate the action primarily targets the bishops who defied the Pope [3].
Despite the disciplinary action, Pope Leo XIV expressed a desire for the group to return to the fold. "Please turn back," the Pope said [4].
The Society of St. Pius X has long maintained a tense relationship with Rome, frequently challenging the reforms of the church and insisting on traditional liturgy. This latest clash over the Swiss ordinations has effectively severed the group's official ties to the Roman Catholic Church.
“"The Holy See has declared the Society of St. Pius X to be in formal schism."”
This decree represents a hardline approach by Pope Leo XIV to eliminate internal dissent within the church. By utilizing excommunication—the most severe spiritual penalty in Catholicism—the Vatican is signaling that unauthorized episcopal ordinations are an unacceptable breach of apostolic succession and papal primacy, potentially isolating the traditionalist movement from the mainstream church.
