Bishop David Waller of the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham has cautioned against the FSSPX consecrating bishops without papal mandate.
Earlier this week, the Priestly Society of St Pius X announced plans to consecrate new bishops without papal approval, a move that risks deepening its rift with the Holy See and could lead to the automatic excommunication of those involved.
The decision was made public by Fr Davide Pagliarani, the society’s superior general, during a ceremony for the taking of the cassock at the International Seminary of St Curé of Ars in Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, France, on February 2. In a statement issued by the society’s general house in Menzingen, Switzerland, Fr Pagliarani explained that the consecrations would take place on July 1, with the society’s existing bishops entrusted with the task. He said the step followed months of fruitless attempts to engage with the Vatican, including a request last August for an audience with Pope Leo XIV to discuss the society’s situation and the need to ensure the continuation of its episcopal ministry.
