Pope Leo XIV Defends Vatican II Reforms as SSPX Eyes 4 Bishop Ordinations
Updated
Updated · America: The Jesuit Review · May 27
Pope Leo XIV Defends Vatican II Reforms as SSPX Eyes 4 Bishop Ordinations
2 articles · Updated · America: The Jesuit Review · May 27
May 27 remarks in St. Peter’s Square saw Pope Leo XIV cast liturgical reform as legitimate renewal rooted in tradition, urging Catholics to follow approved texts and remain in ecclesial communion.
The intervention came after the Society of St. Pius X said it would proceed with bishop consecrations without papal approval on July 1, despite Vatican warnings that the act would be schismatic.
A May 13 statement from Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández said both those performing and receiving the consecrations would incur automatic excommunication, and formal adherence to the schism would be a grave offense.
Leo framed the dispute in broader terms, citing Pius XII, Vatican II and Benedict XVI to argue that the Church develops without breaking doctrine and that reform requires clear need, study and proper authority.
In this Catholic 'civil war,' who defines tradition: the Pope or those claiming to preserve it from him?
Could the Pope avert schism by appointing traditionalist bishops, turning rebels into allies?