Bishops, schism, and the SSPX

Vatican City
SSPX
Canon Law
Author

The Pillar

Published

February 5, 2026

Summary

After the Society of St. Pius X announced plans to consecrate a bishop without papal mandate in July, the prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith stated that Vatican talks with the society will continue towards regularizing its status. While some speculate it could be a negotiating tactic, questions have been raised about potential canonical consequences if they proceed. In 1988, an excommunication latae sententiae was declared against those involved due to similar actions under Pope John Paul II. Online supporters of the SSPX have attempted to draw parallels with previous consecrations without mandates but without the same penalties. The Church’s law states that both a bishop and the recipient incur automatic latae sententiae excommunication for attempting an invalid consecration, which requires formal declaration by the Holy See. Key points include the clear wording of Canon 1387 on the issue and the criminal nature of attempting to consecrate a bishop without papal mandate as a crime of discommunion.

Key Topics

Vatican City, SSPX, Canon Law


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