Imogen Foulkes

Four bishops from the Society of Saint Pius X were ordained in Écône, Switzerland, despite Pope Leo XIV’s warning that the act risked deepening a schism within the Catholic Church. The SSPX rejected Vatican reforms dating back to the 1960s and proceeded with the ceremony before thousands of supporters. The Vatican is expected to deem the new bishops illegitimate, echoing past excommunications, though the Pope may avoid further action to prevent worsening tensions. The Society’s global presence and resources underscore its influence despite its relatively small size.

Four priests from Switzerland, the United States and France were ordained as bishops by the Society of Saint Pius X in Écône, Switzerland, despite Pope Leo XIV’s appeal to halt the ceremony and warnings of a potential schism. The group, long opposed to Vatican reforms and previously subject to excommunication, received support from thousands of followers at the event. SSPX leaders defended their actions as loyalty to the Church while rejecting modernising changes, deepening tensions for the relatively new pontificate. The ordination highlights the Society’s international reach and financial resources, while the Vatican considers how to respond without escalating the division.