Vatican Excommunicates SSPX Leaders, Including Bishop Alfonso de Galarreta, Over Switzerland Consecrations

The Vatican announced this Thursday the excommunication of several leaders of the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), a traditionalist Catholic group also known as the lefebvrianos, after it participated in an "acto de naturaleza cismática" in Switzerland.

“El Vaticano anunció este jueves la excomunión de varios jerarcas de una fraternidad católica de Suiza que participaron en un "acto de naturaleza cismática" en la consagración de obispos sin consentimiento del papa León XIV”

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The decree also declares the excommunication ipso facto of Catholic faithful who participate "formalmente" in the Fraternidad Sacerdotal San Pío X (FSSPX), warning that those who join the schism would incur the "pena de excomunión de oficio".

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In a communiqué, the Dicasterio para la Doctrina de la Fe said bishop Alfonso de Galarreta was excommunicated "al haber cometido un acto de naturaleza cismática" through the episcopal consecration of four presbyters without pontifical mandate and against the will of Pope León XIV.

The Vatican later clarified that not all members would be excommunicated automatically, but those who "participan habitualmente" in SSPX celebrations and "comparten formalmente sus posiciones doctrinales".

The Vatican’s note said the act constituted the "crimen de cisma" with canonical consequences for sacred ministers and lay faithful involved, and it warned that SSPX ministers administer sacraments illicitly and that penance and marriages assisted by them are invalid.

Massimo Faggioli, described as an expert in the papacy, told Reuters that León XIV believed very firmly in the reforms of the Concilio, saying, "No tiene remordimientos ni dudas sobre el hecho de que esta es la Iglesia del Vaticano II".

Faggioli added, "Ha demostrado que no quiere transigir en eso," as the Vatican’s sanctions were framed by the Guardian as a response to the SSPX’s defiance of Pope Leo by ordaining bishops without his consent.

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In Switzerland, the SSPX proceeded with its consecrations despite Vatican warnings, with NPR describing the ceremony at the seminary in the Swiss village of Écône where the group called the ordinations their "sacred duty".

NPR reported that Pope Leo had published a letter dated June 29 addressed to the superior general of the society, the Rev. Davide Pagliarani, urging, "Turn back!"

The Washington Post described the Vatican’s move as triggering "the most serious schism in decades" within the world’s largest Christian faith, while the Guardian said Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández warned the Vatican hoped harshness would lead some to repent and turn back to mother church.

The Vatican’s decree and explanatory note warned that sacred ministers of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X are in schism and that lay faithful who formally adhere are to be considered schismatics and excommunicated.

“Vatican excommunicates schismatic bishops and priests, and warns their followers Vatican excommunicates schismatic bishops and priests, and warns their followers VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican responded aggressively Thursday to a traditionalist group that consecrated bishops without the pope’s consent, declaring the Society of St”

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The Vatican’s note also warned that the sacred ministers administer the sacraments illicitly and that "el sacramento de la penitencia" administered by them and marriages assisted by them are invalid.

The Vatican said it would welcome those who wish to return to full communion, stating, "La Iglesia, como una caring mother, will welcome con sincere affection" and that the Apostolic Nuncios will arrange procedures for Ordinaries in various cases.

NPR reported that the Vatican’s July 2 decree states the SSPX now administers the sacraments illicitly and can no longer officiate marriages or hear valid confessions, reversing accommodations that had been granted in recent years.

In the United States and Europe, the Washington Post said the group claims hundreds of thousands of followers, while AP reported the Vatican warned that those who "adhere formally" to the society are schismatic and excommunicated and that the sanctions could extend to thousands of Catholics.