Statement of His Eminence Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith
May 13, 2026
Regarding the Society of Saint Pius X, what has already been communicated is hereby reaffirmed. The episcopal ordinations announced by the Society of Saint Pius X do not have the corresponding pontifical mandate. This act will constitute "a schismatic act" (John Paul II, Ecclesia Dei, n. 3), and "formal adherence to the schism constitutes a grave offense against God and carries with it the excommunication established by the law of the Church" (ibid., 5c; cf. Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts, Explanatory Note, August 24, 1996).
The Holy Father continues in his prayers to ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten those responsible in the Society of Saint Pius X, so that they may reconsider the gravely serious decision they have made.
From the Vatican, May 13, 2026
[Source: Bollettino, in Italian; our translation]
