Pope Leo has excommunicated members of the Swiss-based Society of St. Pius X, a traditionalist Catholic group, after they ordained four new bishops without his approval.
Background
The Society of St. Pius X denies the central teachings of the Second Vatican Council, a landmark Vatican gathering of bishops in the 1960s that pursued a range of reforms for the global Church and sought to repair its relations with Jews and with other Christian denominations.
Experts say the move shows that Pope Leo is not afraid to make firm decisions, despite his initial vow to unify the Catholic Church after years of divisions.
Reactions
Elise Allen, author of a biography of Pope Leo, said that the pope is someone who does not work in blurred lines and is not afraid to be extremely clear or firm when he needs to be.
Massimo Faggioli, an expert on the papacy, likened the Vatican’s response to how Pope Leo has interacted with U.S. President Donald Trump, saying that the pope is a non-confrontational figure but will take a firm stance when necessary.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
