Franciscan University Leaders and Theologians Issue Open Letter to the SSPX

Live updates

1. 20d ago

   Pope Leo XIV Maintains Latin Mass Restrictions Amid SSPX Schism

   Pope Leo XIV will not lift restrictions on the old Latin Mass despite calls for greater access following the schism of the Society of Saint Pius X. The cardinal leading the Vatican liturgy office confirmed the decision as some Catholics seek alternatives to the current liturgical requirements. This follows the excommunication of SSPX bishops and priests who performed episcopal consecrations on July 1, 2026, and subsequent efforts by Franciscan University leaders to prevent a formal break from the church.

   Why it matters

   The SSPX has long clashed with Vatican authority over the traditional Latin Mass. The current crisis escalated when the group performed unauthorized consecrations, leading the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith to establish a return process for members.

   What is confirmed

   • Pope Leo XIV will not lift restrictions on the old Mass.
   • The Vatican excommunicated SSPX bishops and priests following episcopal consecrations on July 1, 2026.

   What to watch next

   • Response from SSPX leadership to the Vatican's refusal to lift Mass restrictions
   • Updates on the number of SSPX members utilizing the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith return procedure
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.americamagazine.org — After SSPX schism, some Catholics urge greater access to the older Latin Mass
   2. www.americamagazine.org — James T. Farrell was condemned by the church—and paved the way for American Catholic writers
   3. www.vaticannews.va — Catholic schools surge in Ohio as Bishop urges action to form young people
   4. arstechnica.com — Florida Catholics slap down state AG by rejecting religious vaccine exemptions
   confidence 100%
2. 75d ago

   Vatican Excommunicates SSPX Leaders Following Episcopal Consecrations

   The Vatican has excommunicated bishops and priests from the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) after the group performed episcopal consecrations on July 1, 2026. The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith has released a procedure for SSPX members to return to Catholic communion. Franciscan University leaders and theologians have issued an open letter urging the society to avoid schism.

   What's confirmed:

   • The Vatican excommunicated schismatic bishops and priests from the SSPX.
   • The SSPX performed episcopal consecrations at Écône on July 1, 2026.
   • The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith established a procedure for SSPX priests and lay faithful to return to Catholic communion.
   • Leaders and theologians from Franciscan University issued an open letter to the SSPX.
   • The SSPX opposes the reforms of the Catholic Church and celebrates the Latin Mass.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The SSPX is seeking to ordain far-right bishops.
   • The SSPX issued a declaration of faith to Pope Leo XIV and Cardinals ahead of a consistory.
   Sources used for this update (13)

   1. This Is the Real Divide Between Rome and the SSPX
   2. Crisis looms for Pope Leo as splinter sect seeks to ordain far-right bishops
   3. SSPX issues declaration of faith ahead of Vatican consistory
   4. SSPX doubles down on defiance of Vatican II in open letter
   5. Will We Be Excommunicated?
   6. Franciscan University Leaders and Theologians Issue Open Letter to the SSPX
   7. Franciscan University professors urge SSPX to desist from schism
   8. SSPX Issues Declaration of Faith to Pope Leo XIV and Cardinals Ahead of Consistory
   9. Cardinal Müller calls SSPX consecrations schismatic, defends the Latin Mass
   10. Discover the Liturgy of Episcopal Consecrations (Video)
   11. Episcopal Consecrations at Écône – July 1, 2026 – Watch the Ceremony Live
   12. Vatican excommunicates schismatic bishops and priests, and warns their followers
   confidence 90%