Summary
On February 2, 2026, Davide Pagliarani, Superior General of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X (FSSPX), announced plans to proceed with episcopal consecrations without papal mandate on July 1. This decision was justified by the canonical principle of salus animarum and an objective state of spiritual necessity within the Church, exacerbated by the doctrinal continuity under Pope Francis and a lack of satisfactory responses from Rome. Pagliarani explained that these consecrations are part of the Fraternity’s response to what they perceive as inadequate pastoral care. The announcement came after multiple approaches to the Holy See, including a letter written last summer, which received no reply until recently. The latest response, signed by Cardinal Fernández, rejected the Fraternity’s proposal outright without offering alternatives. The decision reflects the Fraternity’s belief that the faithful require immediate pastoral support and guidance, given the absence of clear direction from Rome.
Key Topics
episcopal consecrations, FSSPX, salus animarum
