Summary
On Thursday, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, proposed a theological dialogue to the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) via a meeting at the Palace of the Holy Office. The SSPX was invited on the condition that episcopal ordinations scheduled for July 1 be suspended with Pope’s approval. This process, described as having a “well-defined methodology,” aims to establish requirements for full communion and a canonical status for the Society. Cardinal Fernández proposed addressing themes such as the distinction between “the act of faith” and “the obedience of faith,” and varying degrees of assent owed to texts from the Second Vatican Council. The Holy See insisted that episcopal ordinations without papal mandate, which the SSPX claims is necessary for their bishops’ continuity, would lead to a “decisive rupture” with grave consequences for the Society. To prevent a “schism,” the Holy See suggested suspending the July 1 ordinations, which were announced without Papal approval and had already taken place three days prior during a private audience with Pope Leo XIII. The SSPX will now present this proposal to its Council and respond by mutual agreement.
Key Topics
Vatican City, SSPX, Dialogue
