The Vatican warns the Society of Saint Pius X to cancel plans to ordain bishops without the Pope's consent, emphasizing that such action would lead to excommunication.

The Vatican on Wednesday urged the Society of Saint Pius X, a separatist Catholic group, to abandon plans to ordain bishops without the consent of Pope Leo, warning that such an action could lead to excommunication. Cardinal Victor Fernandez, head of the Vatican's doctrinal office, emphasized that the planned ceremony would constitute a "serious offense against God" and would create a schism, a formal break with the Church. The Society, which rejects the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, wishes to preserve the Latin liturgy. Excommunication would completely separate the affected individuals from the Church, prohibiting them access to sacraments and church functions. The founder of the society, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, was excommunicated in 1988 for similar actions. The current leadership has announced plans to ordain new bishops in July, citing the need for more clergy. The Church maintains that only the Pope can authorize such consecrations to maintain the link with the apostles of Jesus.