The Vatican has reportedly prepared a declaration of schism if the Priestly Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) proceeds with consecrating new bishops this summer without the Pope’s approval and is concerned for the pastoral care of clergy who plan to leave the SSPX if there is “a further break with Rome,” according to an April 29 article by Rome-based Catholic journalist Diane Montagna.
Montagna wrote that the reports are according to Italian journalist Nico Spuntoni, whom she described as being “known for his accurate reporting and for consistently publishing information ahead of official channels.”
Cardinal Victor Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), reportedly prepared the declaration.
“Informed sources on the matter have confirmed to me that the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith is already prepared for a scenario of schism following the likely new consecrations,” Spuntoni told Montagna, according to the April 29 article.
The SSPX announced Feb. 2 that new SSPX bishops will be consecrated this summer possibly without the approval of Pope Leo XIV, raising concerns of excommunication for involved clergy, as Zeale News reported.
Shortly after the announcement, Cardinal Fernández met with Father Davide Pagliarani, the SSPX superior general, in Rome, and they discussed a possible path of dialogue to reach a resolution. At the time, the Holy See also reiterated that proceeding with the consecrations without the Pope’s approval “would imply a decisive rupture of ecclesial communion (schism),” according to a statement from the cardinal.
Several days after the meeting, Fr. Pagliarani announced that the SSPX will not postpone the consecrations and that the SSPX rejects the notion that the actions would constitute a schism, as Zeale News reported.
Citing his sources, Spuntoni told Montagna that the DDF “claims to have been ‘lenient’ in the negotiations, but there are indications of an intention to be ‘firm’ in their response.”
He added that it is unclear if excommunication will apply to only the newly ordained SSPX bishops or to others.
Along with reportedly preparing the declaration of schism, however, the DDF is also mindful of the need to support priests who will choose to leave the SSPX in the wake of the rupture.
According to Montagna, Spuntoni said his sources indicate that the DDF “is concerned about the pastoral care of the persons (i.e. clergy) connected to the Society who do not intend to remain in it after a further break with Rome.”