SSPX schism overshadows Pope Leo XIV’s visit to France — France 24
In France, the conflict between the Vatican and the ultra-conservative Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) has intensified ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. In July, the Vatican excommunicated followers of the group who, against the pontiff’s will, consecrated four bishops, including two Frenchmen. This was reported by France 24.
Following the schism, the bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes said that SSPX representatives would not be allowed to organize events at the Lourdes sanctuary in October during the annual Christ the King pilgrimage. The event usually brings together thousands of pilgrims from various European countries in the underground halls of the Basilica of Saint Pius X.
Dispute over council reforms
The SSPX was founded in 1970 in response to the reforms of the Second Vatican Council of 1962–1965. The organization rejects changes to the liturgy introduced by the council: its representatives insist on services in Latin and on priests celebrating while facing the altar. The group also opposes religious freedom and interfaith dialogue.
The Vatican and the brotherhood have been in conflict for decades. Pope John Paul II excommunicated SSPX bishops in 1988, but Pope Benedict XVI revoked the decision two decades later in an attempt to overcome the schism. Pope Francis later allowed the brotherhood’s priests, under certain conditions, to perform marriages. Following the latest excommunications, these concessions were revoked.
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The Vatican’s July decree also stipulates that laypeople who formally joined the SSPX should be considered schismatics and excommunicated. Sorbonne historian of Catholicism Martin Dumont said that for Leo XIV, unity around the documents of the Second Vatican Council is a priority.
Network of schools and political controversies
According to the source’s estimate, the SSPX has around 700 priests worldwide and a network of chapels, schools and religious communities. In France, the brotherhood has centers in Paris, Brittany and Vendée and runs more than 50 schools that do not follow the standard French curriculum.
Critics, including former members of the brotherhood, have accused it of sectarian practices and abuse. French media investigations, according to France 24, found materials in SSPX school textbooks glorifying Marshal Philippe Pétain, the leader of the Nazi-allied Vichy regime. One history textbook did not mention the term “Shoah,” commonly used in France to refer to the Holocaust.
French SSPX representatives said they do not seek confrontation with the pontiff during his trip. At the same time, they expect him to take a position on euthanasia and the right to abortion enshrined in the French Constitution. The brotherhood is challenging the excommunication decision, while its churches plan to mark the papal visit with prayers without a solemn Mass.
