Rogue Catholic group threatens schism with Vatican, plans to raise new bishops without Rome's approval

The Priestly Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), a traditionalist Catholic group, is threatening schism with the Vatican by planning to consecrate bishops without Rome's approval on July 1. The SSPX, which exclusively celebrates the Traditional Latin Mass, has long disagreed with reforms from the Second Vatican Council. SSPX Superior General Father Davide Pagliarani says he requested new bishops from the Vatican, but received an unsatisfactory response. The SSPX founder, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, was excommunicated in 1988 for ordaining bishops without Vatican approval, though subsequent Popes have attempted reconciliation. Despite the planned consecrations, Pagliarani insists the SSPX does not seek schism and aims to serve the universal Church.

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