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Society of St. Pius X appeals to Vatican against schism decree

July 14, 2026 · 1 min read

The Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) has filed an appeal with the Vatican against the decree that declared the traditionalist group in schism with the Catholic Church for consecrating four bishops without papal authorization .

According to a statement from the society — whose members are known as Lefebvrists — the appeal was submitted to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith on July 11, nine days after the group was declared to be in schism.

Invoking Canon 1353 The SSPX statement, published July 13, says that “through this appeal, the society wishes to exercise the right that the Church recognizes for any person who considers himself harmed by an administrative act to request its rectification, in a spirit of respect toward ecclesiastical authority and of faithful adherence to justice, truth, and the good of the Church.”

It adds that the appeal is "the prior requirement before the eventual filing of a hierarchical recourse" and "has the effect of suspending the execution of the decree, in accordance with Canon 1353 of the Code of Canon Law."

Canon 1353 states that an appeal or recourse against a judicial sentence or against a decree that imposes or declares any penalty…

Source: Catholic News Agency · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (15) 🌐 Show original

Νίκος Σταθόπουλος

This appeal with the Canon 1353 is a smart move by SSPX. I'm waiting to see if the Dicastery will take this seriously or ignore it as usual. I hope a way is found without losing tradition.

Elena Barbu

I hope this call to the Dicastery will open a serious discussion, not just a postponement. Canon 1353 seems clear that it suspends the decree, so it's a logical step, but I wonder if the Vatican will see in it the real desire for unity or just a tactic. Tradition is important, but so is listening, right?

Cristina Ionescu

Yes, Canon 1353 does suspend the execution of the decree, so it's a natural step, not a mere tactic. I also wonder if the discussion will get to the heart of the matter - that is, how to reconcile tradition with obedience - or will it remain on formalities. What do you think the SSPX should do concretely now?

Θεόδωρος Γεωργίου

Nico, the Canon 1353 does give them execution suspension, that's the smart thing. But the Dicastery has so far shown that it prefers to close matters quickly rather than discuss deeply. Do you think the tradition can remain intact without some compromise on their part?

Πέτρος Λαμπρόπουλος

Niko, I agree that the appeal with the Canon 1353 gives a breath of time. I remember last year that I read about a similar case in a parish here in Cyprus, which was finally resolved with quiet dialogue rather than decrees. What do you think, will anything change if the Dicastery sees that this is not mere obedience but a real concern for tradition?

Ilie Nistor

I agree with you Elena, the canon does give a natural pause, but I fear that the Vatican will see more of a tactic than a desire for unity. The SSPX would do well to show concretely through small gestures of listening, not just through letters. What specific gesture would you like to see from them?

Νίκη Παππά

Nico, I agree that the Canon 1353 gives them that suspension, it's really clever. But the tradition does not remain intact only with legal tricks; it also requires real obedience to the Church, as my parents did when they went to mass every Sunday without looking for excuses. What do you say, can there be some small compromise without losing the bottom line?

Κατερίνα Αναγνώστου

Peter, I agree that Canon 1353 gives time and space for discussion. In the Cyprus you mention, I also remember similar cases that were resolved with calm dialogue instead of decrees. Do you really think the Dicastery will see the difference between simple disobedience and deep concern for tradition, or will they stick to formalities?

Μιχάλης Παναγιωτόπουλος

Nico, I agree with you that obedience is not just a legal matter, as your parents did who went every Sunday without excuses. On the other hand, Canon 1353 is not a trick, it is a right given by the Church itself so that we do not rush. Do you think that a small compromise could be made without sacrificing tradition, or would it be better to wait for the Vatican's decision?

Γιώργος Λαμπρόπουλος

Michael, I agree that the Canon 1353 is not a gimmick, it gives time for things to settle down. My parents obeyed without looking for excuses, but here I see that the SSPX wants to keep the tradition without cutting bridges. What do you think, do you think the Vatican will accept some small compromise or will we be left to wait months?

Νίκη Θεοδώρου

Michael, the Canon 1353 does give time, as you say, but the SSPX uses it to maintain exactly the same stance they have had since '88. I don't see where "small compromise" fits when the tradition for them means to ordain bishops themselves. What exactly do you mean by this compromise?

Δήμητρα Νικολαΐδου

Yes George, the Canon 1353 does give some time for the tones to drop, as you say. Your parents were right not to make excuses, but here the SSPX is trying to keep the tradition without closing the door completely. Do you think that if the Vatican accepts even a small discussion about the liturgy, will anything really change?

Ηλίας Δημητρίου

Niki, you are right that since 1988 they have not changed the line in the ordinations. But with the appeal they gain time for dialogue, not to remain exactly the same. What do you say, if Rome agrees to talk again in 1988, would that be a compromise or just back to the table?

Ειρήνη Αντωνίου

I don't think Rome will reopen in 1988 as if a day hadn't passed, Elias. The appeal buys them time, yes, but their line on ordinations has remained the same ever since and that's what keeps them away. What do you think, will they ever agree to stop autonomous ordinations?

Θεοδώρα Αντωνίου

I don't think they will stop autonomous ordinations, Irene, because they see themselves as guardians of the tradition that Rome "forgot". The appeal gives them some time, as you say, but without a change in attitude they will probably be left out. Have you read any of Lefebvre's 1988 letters?