Thousands of worshippers gathered in the small Swiss village of Écône as the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) ordained four new Catholic bishops despite a direct appeal from Pope Leo XIV to stop the ceremony. The event has renewed concerns about growing divisions within the Catholic Church.
The newly ordained bishops include one priest from the United States, one from Switzerland, and two from France. All belong to the Society of Saint Pius X, a traditionalist Catholic group that has remained at odds with the Vatican for decades.
Why the Vatican Opposes the SSPX
The Society of Saint Pius X rejects several major reforms introduced by the Catholic Church after the Second Vatican Council during the 1960s and 1970s. One of its strongest objections is the Church’s decision to allow Mass in local languages instead of celebrating it only in Latin.
Church leaders believe that appointing bishops without the Pope’s approval breaks the unity of the Catholic Church. For this reason, Pope Leo XIV described the planned ordinations as a “schismatic act” and urged SSPX leaders to reconsider before the ceremony took place.
Despite the Pope’s warning, the group continued with the ordination as planned.
Traditional Ceremony Draws Thousands
Around 15,000 people attended the ceremony in Écône. Hundreds of priests wearing traditional robes walked through the village carrying crosses, candles, and incense before reaching a large tent built in a nearby field.
During the ceremony, the four candidates lay before the altar with their heads resting on red velvet cushions while organ music filled the venue. They took their episcopal vows in Latin, following long standing Catholic traditions that the SSPX continues to preserve.
The ceremony reflected the group’s commitment to traditional religious practices, even as it remains in conflict with the Vatican.
New Bishops Could Face Exclusion
The last time the Society of Saint Pius X ordained bishops without papal approval was in 1988. At that time, the Vatican immediately excommunicated the bishops involved.
In 2009, Pope Benedict XVI lifted those excommunications in an effort to rebuild relations with the group. However, the move did not fully resolve the long running dispute.
Following this latest ordination, many observers expect Pope Leo XIV to remove the newly ordained bishops from full communion with the Catholic Church, further widening the divide between the Vatican and the traditionalist movement.
A Growing Challenge for Church Unity
Although many Christian denominations have different branches with varying beliefs, the Catholic Church places great importance on maintaining unity under the authority of the Pope.
Because of this, ordaining bishops without papal approval remains one of the most serious challenges to Church governance. The latest ceremony has once again raised questions about the future relationship between the Vatican and the Society of Saint Pius X.
