The superior general of the Priestly Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) met with the prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), Cardinal Victor Fernández, Feb. 12 at the Vatican, shortly after the announcement that the SSPX would consecrate new bishops in the summer — with or without the Pope’s permission.
A Feb. 12 statement signed by Cardinal Fernández described the meeting with Father Davide Pagliarani as “cordial and sincere” and an opportunity to discuss the SSPX’s theological questions related to the Second Vatican Council.
“After clarifying several points presented by the SSPX in several letters, sent particularly between 2017 and 2019, among others, the question of divine will regarding the plurality of religions was discussed,” the statement reads.
Cardinal Fernández “proposed a process of specifically theological dialogue, with a very precise methodology, regarding issues that have not yet been sufficiently clarified,” the statement adds, “such as the difference between an act of faith and ‘religious submission of mind and will,’ or the different degrees of adherence required by the various texts of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council and its interpretation.”
The Feb. 12 meeting was about an hour and a half, according to a statement the SSPX issued the same day.
The SSPX statement explains that the proposed conversations “would seek, in particular, to reach agreement on ‘the different degrees of adherence required by the various texts of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council and their interpretation’. The cardinal stated orally that, while it would be possible to engage in dialogue about the Council, its texts could not be corrected.”
According to the Vatican statement, Cardinal Fernández also suggested “addressing a series of issues” outlined by the SSPX in a Jan. 17, 2019, letter.
“This process would aim to highlight, in the topics discussed, the minimum requirements for full communion with the Catholic Church and consequently to outline a canonical statute for the Society, along with other aspects to be further explored,” the Vatican statement adds.
The statement also explains what the outcome would be if the SSPX were to proceed with the consecrations without the approval of the Pope.
The Holy See has reiterated that doing this “would imply a decisive rupture of ecclesial communion (schism), with grave consequences for the Society as a whole,” the statement reads, citing Pope Saint John Paul II’s apostolic letter Ecclesia Dei and several other Vatican documents. As such, the statement adds, in order for dialogue to be possible, it is necessary for the SSPX to “suspend the decision regarding announced episcopal ordinations.”
Fr. Pagliarani will present this offer to his council and then respond to the DDF.
“If the response is positive, the steps, stages, and procedures to be followed will be mutually agreed upon,” the statement concludes. “The entire Church is asked to accompany this journey, especially in the coming times, with prayer to the Holy Spirit. He is the principal architect of the true ecclesial communion desired by Christ.”
According to the SSPX statement, Fr. Pagliarani will “respond within the next few days,” communicate directly to Cardinal Fernández, and publicize the response.
Fr. Pagliarani also reiterated to Cardinal Fernández his desire to have a personal audience with Pope Leo, the SSPX statement notes, adding: “[Fr. Pagliarani] remains very peaceful and is grateful for all the prayers offered. He continues to commend this situation to the prayers of the faithful.”
The SSPX statement explains that Fr. Pagliarani presented to Cardinal Fernández “the current situation of the Society of Saint Pius X and its duty, in the spiritual necessity in which souls find themselves, to ensure the continuation of the ministry of its bishops.”
“Above all, he emphasised the spirit of charity in which the Society envisages these consecrations, as well as its sincere desire to serve both the souls and the Roman Church,” the SSPX statement adds. “Finally, he renewed his desire that, given the wholly particular circumstances in which Holy Church finds itself, the Society may continue to operate in its current situation – exceptional and temporary – for the good of the souls who turn to it.”
Cardinal Fernández “offered a different approach to the question,” the statement said, explaining the proposal of dialogue as outlined by the Vatican communiqué.
As Zeale News reported, Cardinal Fernández had proposed the Feb. 12 meeting earlier this month.