The Society of St. Pius X, a group of ultra-conservative Catholics, faces excommunication after ordaining bishops without Pope Leo’s approval. This echoes a similar situation from the late 1980s when Marcel Lefebvre consecrated bishops without the Vatican’s consent.
On July 1, 2026, new bishops Pascal Schreiber, Michael Goldade, Michel Poinsinet de Sivry, and Marc Hanappier were consecrated at the International Seminary of Saint Pius X in Econe, Switzerland. A mass in Wil, Switzerland, echoed the group’s hopes for a future pope to welcome them back, as Pope Benedict XVI did in 2009.
Georg Kopf, a priest from the sect, expressed optimism about a future reconciliation during his sermon. The group accuses the Church of deviating from true faith, favoring traditional Latin Mass, and opposing dialogues with non-Catholics.
The Vatican stated that ordaining bishops without approval was grave enough for automatic excommunication. Kopf insisted that their actions aimed to ensure the salvation of souls and were done out of love for the Church. He believes another pope will eventually restore tradition.