The Vatican has excommunicated 6 bishops from the ultra-conservative Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), including one American. The two consecrating bishops and the four newly ordained bishops incurred “latae sententiae” (automatic) excommunication, according to the Vatican.

Background

The SSPX was founded in the 1970s by French Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre in response to the liturgical and theological reforms that followed the Second Vatican Council. The society sought to preserve the Traditional Latin Mass and what it regards as the historic teachings of the Catholic Church.

Although initially established with Vatican approval, relations with Rome steadily deteriorated as the SSPX rejected key aspects of the Council, particularly its teachings on religious liberty, interdenominational unity, and episcopal collegiality – or the principle that bishops collectively share responsibility for Church governance.

Pope Leo made a final appeal for unity, writing personally to the Society’s Superior General. “I plead with you and ask you with all my heart: please turn back!” wrote Leo, the first-ever U.S.-born pontiff.

Consequences

Excommunication is one of the most serious penalties that can be imposed by the Catholic Church’s leadership. It bars a Catholic from receiving any church sacraments such as baptism, communion, or marriage.

The Holy See also revoked the faculties previously granted to SSPX priests to validly celebrate the sacraments of confession and marriage, meaning those sacraments are no longer recognized as valid when administered by SSPX clergy.

The Vatican warned members of the SSPX that those who knowingly and formally align themselves with the society place themselves outside full communion with the Church.

Original reporting: KTSA News/Talk (San Antonio) — read the source article.