SSPX Rejecters of Vatican II in Schism with Catholic Church

The Priestly Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) was founded in 1970 by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre in opposition to key teachings of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965).  In particular, the SSPX rejected rapprochement with Jews, whom it considered cursed for the crucifixion of Jesus, contrary to the conciliar declaration Nostra Aetate. 

In 1988, Lefebvre consecrated four bishops in direct violation of Pope John Paul II's directive against this, resulting in the automatic excommunications of Lefebvre and the bishops he consecrated. In 2009, Pope Benedict XVI sought reconciliation with group, seeking to heal its "canonically irregular" status. See HERE for texts from this period.

In 2026, SSPX announced that it would consecrate new bishops. Despite Pope Leo XIV's plea, it consecrated four bishops on July 1, 2026. This page presents relevant texts about these events and their consequences. See HERE for a Vatican News editorial and summary of this history.