Summary
Pope Leo XIV held a significant meeting on February 12th, where Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández met with Fr. Davide Pagliarani of the Priestly Society of Saint Pius X. The encounter aimed to address one of the first crises in Leo’s papacy, including unresolved issues from Pope Francis’ pontificate. Key among these is the traditionalist crisis involving the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), whose founder Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre engaged in a dramatic dialogue with Pope Paul VI. Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI also dealt with similar crises, each proposing different approaches to address doctrinal differences without compromising Church unity. Francis initially accommodated the SSPX by granting faculties but did not resolve fundamental issues. Leo XIV is expected to continue this conversation, promising another doctrinal journey clarifying Second Vatican Council issues in a way acceptable to the SSPX. However, Leo’s stance may be influenced by his decision to reinstate or establish a commission similar to Ecclesia Dei, which was abolished during Francis’ papacy due to internal reforms.
Key Topics
Vatican City, SSPX, Council II
