“Please Turn Back!”: Pope Leo XIV Issues Final Appeal to SSPX
Pope warns proceeding with the consecrations will deprive the faithful of “the licit and, in some cases, even valid reception of the Sacraments.”
ROME, 30 JUNE 2026 — Pope Leo XIV has issued a final appeal to the Society of St. Pius X one day before the traditionalist group’s planned consecration of four new bishops without papal mandate, an act the Vatican has said would automatically incur excommunication.
In a letter dated June 29, the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, and addressed to SSPX Superior General Fr. Davide Pagliarani, the Pope pleaded with the Society’s leadership to “turn back,” warning that the consecrations, set to take place Wednesday in Ecône, Switzerland, would constitute a schismatic act depriving the faithful of “the licit and, in some cases, even valid reception of the Sacraments.”
“With a sorrowful yet hopeful heart, I feel it is my duty, through the authority received from Christ, to ask you to desist from your intended act,” the Pope wrote, adding: “I entrust these intentions to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Good Counsel.”
Here below is the official English text of the Pope’s letter.
To The Reverend
Davide Pagliarani
Superior General
of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X
With a paternal heart, and aware of the responsibility entrusted to me by the Lord as the Successor of the Apostle Peter, I address you and, through you, the bishops, priests, seminarians and faithful connected to the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X.
The Church recognizes the devotion to liturgical life, commitment to priestly formation, apostolic zeal and desire for fidelity to Tradition that characterize many people and communities connected to your Fraternity. This has motivated the attentive and generous attitude that my Predecessors have consistently shown to you.
In this spirit, and filled with Christian affection, I plead with you and ask you with all my heart: please turn back! I urge you to consider carefully the spiritual good of the faithful, because the schismatic act you are about to undertake would deprive them of the licit and, in some cases, even valid reception of the Sacraments, which they love and seek for their sanctification.
The Church is open to a path of dialogue and understanding that the Holy Spirit can make possible and fruitful.
I pray for you, because to tear the seamless garment of Christ is a sin of extreme gravity. May the Lord enlighten your consciences and awaken your hearts. With a sorrowful yet hopeful heart, I feel it is my duty, through the authority received from Christ, to ask you to desist from your intended act. I entrust these intentions to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Good Counsel.
From the Vatican, 29 June 2026
Solemnity of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul
LEO PP. XIV
Why has Pope Leo refused the leaders of the SSPX an audience? He has received Fr. James Martin, a man promoting heresy openly. It is the lay faithful who have sorrowful hearts, as Rome has lost its way. We ask Pope Leo to please turn back! Turn back to Tradition. Turn back to the true teachings of the Catholic faith. Meet with the SSPX.
Turn back to pride masses?
Blessing homosexuality?
All religions are equal?
Pachamama art?
The above is not Catholic at all.
It's the Protestant Church occupying the Catholic space.