Vatican & FSSPX in Dialogue to Avert Schism: Bishop Ordinations on Hold?

Vatican City – The Vatican is seeking to avert a schism within traditionalist Catholicism, proposing a theological dialogue with the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) while simultaneously warning that unsanctioned episcopal ordinations would sever ties with the group. The move follows an announcement earlier this month by the SSPX of its intention to appoint new bishops without papal approval.

Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, met with Father Davide Pagliarani, Superior General of the SSPX, on Thursday, February 12th, at the Palace of the Holy Office. The meeting, described as “cordial and sincere” by the Vatican, came after the SSPX announced plans to proceed with episcopal consecrations on July 1st.

According to a statement released by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Fernández proposed a “specifically theological” dialogue aimed at identifying the “minimum requirements” for full communion with the Catholic Church. This dialogue would also explore a potential canonical status for the SSPX, a fraternity founded in 1970 by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre in opposition to reforms stemming from the Second Vatican Council.

The proposed dialogue will focus on several key theological areas, including the distinction between “the act of faith” and “religious submission of intellect and will,” as well as varying degrees of assent owed to the texts of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council and their interpretation. The Vatican also indicated a willingness to address a series of topics previously outlined by the SSPX in a letter dated January 17, 2019.

However, the Vatican’s offer is contingent on the SSPX suspending its plans for the episcopal ordinations. The statement explicitly warned that proceeding with the consecrations without papal authorization would constitute “a decisive rupture of ecclesial communion (schism),” with “grave consequences” for the fraternity. While the statement did not explicitly mention excommunication, canon law prescribes this penalty for bishops consecrated without a papal mandate.

The SSPX’s decision to announce the ordinations stems from a perceived need to ensure the continuation of its episcopal ministry. Father Pagliarani, in a statement released following the announcement of the planned ordinations, emphasized the “particular necessity” of ensuring the continuity of the fraternity’s bishops. He had previously written to the Holy See requesting an audience to discuss the matter, but, according to the SSPX, received no response.

The current situation echoes a similar crisis in 1988, when Archbishop Lefebvre consecrated four bishops without papal approval, resulting in their automatic excommunication. Pope Benedict XVI later lifted those excommunications in 2009, paving the way for ongoing, though often strained, dialogue between the Vatican and the SSPX. The ability of SSPX priests to hear confessions and conduct marriages was recognized in 2017, but the society remains not in full communion with the Catholic Church.

The SSPX, which currently comprises nearly 1,500 members, has a growing following, particularly in France, where the majority of its members reside. However, the United States is also a significant source of vocations for the society, with 84 of its 264 seminarians originating from the country.

Following the meeting, Father Pagliarani indicated he would present the Vatican’s proposal to the SSPX’s governing council and provide a response to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. If the response is positive, the Vatican statement indicated, both sides would jointly establish the steps and procedures for moving forward with the theological dialogue.

The Vatican’s move represents a renewed effort to bridge the divide with the SSPX, a group that represents a significant segment of traditionalist Catholics. The outcome of this dialogue, and the SSPX’s response to the Vatican’s conditions, will be crucial in determining the future of relations between the society and the Catholic Church, and whether a formal schism can be avoided.