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Perspective

FAQs Regarding SSPX and Schism from the Archdiocese of Denver

  • Writer: Denver Catholic Staff
    Denver Catholic Staff
  • 3 hours ago
  • 3 min read

 

Editor's Note: On July 1, 2026, the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) proceeded with the unauthorized ordination of four bishops without a pontifical mandate. In response, the Holy See declared the ordinations a schismatic act and announced the canonical consequences for those involved. In light of these developments, the Archdiocese of Denver released a Frequently Asked Questions document provided below to help Catholics better understand the Church's teaching and the Archdiocese's pastoral guidance regarding the Society of St. Pius X.


Q: What is the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX)?


A: The Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) was founded in 1970 by French Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, who opposed several teachings of the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), including those concerning ecumenism, religious liberty, collegiality among bishops with the pope, and the Church's relationship with Judaism. The Society also rejected the liturgical reforms that followed the Council. Today, the SSPX operates seminaries, schools, chapels, and missions throughout the world. 


Q: What happened on July 1, 2026?


A: On July 1, 2026, the Society of St. Pius X proceeded with the unauthorized ordination of four bishops in Écône, Switzerland, without a pontifical mandate, despite repeated appeals from Pope Leo XIV and the Holy See not to do so. The Holy See declared these ordinations a schismatic act.[1] The bishops who ordained and those who were ordained incurred canonical censures, and the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith subsequently issued norms for the reconciliation of SSPX clergy and faithful who wish to return to full communion with the Catholic Church. 


Q: What is schism in the Catholic Church?


A: Schism is the refusal of submission to the Pope or of communion with those who are united with him.[2] It is a grave rupture of the Church's visible unity. 


Q: What does it mean to be in full communion with the Catholic Church?


A: Catholics are in full communion with the Church when they are united by the profession of the Catholic faith, participation in the sacraments, and communion with the Pope and the bishops in union with him.[3] 


Q: What is the Vatican's position on the Society of St. Pius X?


A: The Holy See has declared the July 1, 2026, episcopal ordinations a schismatic act and has established norms for the reconciliation of priests and certain lay faithful associated with the Society of St. Pius X. These norms reaffirm the Church's desire for reconciliation while requiring full acceptance of the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, fidelity to the Roman Pontiff, and acceptance of the legitimacy of the Church's liturgy, sacraments, and discipline. 


Q: What if I have attended an SSPX chapel?


A: The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith makes clear that not every lay person who has attended an SSPX chapel bears the same level of canonical responsibility. Those who attended only for liturgical or spiritual reasons and did not reject the authority of the Pope or the teaching of the Church are not presumed to have incurred a penalty. The Dicastery encourages these faithful simply to return to worship in full communion with the Catholic Church and not to attend SSPX liturgies in the future. Anyone with questions about his or her situation is encouraged to speak with a parish priest. 


Q: May Catholics attend SSPX Masses or participate in SSPX activities?


A: No. Out of pastoral concern for the faithful, Archbishop James R. Golka instructs Catholics in the Archdiocese of Denver to refrain from participating in the liturgies, sacraments, or activities of the Society of St. Pius X. Catholics are encouraged to worship at parishes and chapels that are in full communion with the Catholic Church. 


Q: What about the sacraments?


A: Baptism is almost certainly valid regardless of the minister's standing in the Church, so a baptism celebrated by an SSPX priest remains real and need not be repeated. The Confessions and Marriages are illicit when performed by an SSPX priest.[4] If you have a marriage scheduled with the SSPX please contact your local diocesan priest as soon as possible, to help ensure your upcoming marriage can be sacramentally valid.


Q: Is reconciliation possible?


A: Yes. The Church always desires reconciliation. The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith has established a process for SSPX clergy and certain lay faithful who wish to return to full communion with the Catholic Church.[5] Reconciliation includes a profession of faith, acceptance of the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, recognition of the legitimacy of the Church's liturgy and sacraments, fidelity to the Holy Father, and, where applicable, the remission of canonical censures.






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