Summary
The Vatican’s doctrinal office offered to begin a structured theological dialogue with the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) on February 12, following a meeting between Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández and Father Davide Pagliarani, the SSPX’s superior general. The dicastery expressed willingness to engage in a specifically theological process that would address questions related to post–Vatican II teachings. However, it warned that any illicit consecrations for bishops without papal authorization would immediately halt the dialogue, as such actions could lead to a definitive rupture of ecclesial communion and excommunication. The meeting came after Father Pagliarani announced plans for July 1 to consecrate new bishops, which the Vatican deemed unacceptable and potentially leading to formal excommunication, following negotiations that failed in 1988 when Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre consecrated four bishops without papal approval.
Key Topics
Vatican City, SSPX, Pope II
