The Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X (SSPX) met with the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) in Rome this week. The meeting was cordial but frank, according to one of the participants.
Not long ago, on February 2, SSPX had announced its intention to ordain bishops without a papal mandate—that is, without the pope’s approval—a move that would result in immediate schism. SSPX insists they have no shortage of reasons to do so, simultaneously arguing that Rome has been stalling for too long and has not satisfactorily responded to their requests. The Fraternity, meanwhile, risks being left without its own bishops, which would endanger its institutional existence.
In wake of the announcement, the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith proposed a meeting with the Superior General of the Fraternity.
According to a Vatican statement, various theological points of disagreement were addressed in the meeting. Much concerns the Second Vatican Council and to what extent its texts must be adhered to. The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith proposed that SSPX suspend the episcopal ordinations they announced for July and that instead both groups hold meetings of theological dialogue to clarify points of disagreement.
SSPX responded soon after. Following a meeting between the Superior General and his council, the Fraternity issued a statement promising to respond within a few days.
Father Pagliarani will therefore respond within the next few days. He will write directly to Cardinal Fernández and will also make his response known to the faithful.
The Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X was founded in Switzerland in 1970. Its primary objective is priestly formation, but it has experienced tensions with Rome since its founding. It is an institution highly critical of certain aspects of the Second Vatican Council.
