The Society of Saint Pius X defied Vatican warnings by ordaining four bishops, triggering automatic excommunication.

In a controversial move, the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), an ultraconservative Catholic group, conducted unauthorized bishop ordinations in Écône, Switzerland, despite explicit warnings from Pope Leo XIV. The ceremony, held on Wednesday, saw Bishop Alfonso de Galarreta ordain four new bishops during a Latin Mass, which was attended by thousands of supporters. The Vatican had warned that such actions would result in automatic excommunication for all involved, labeling the act as schismatic—a deliberate break from the unity of the Catholic Church.

The SSPX justified the ordinations as a necessary defense of traditional Catholic teachings, claiming the modern Church had strayed from its roots. A priest from the group stated, ‘We consider it a sacred duty before God to continue the ordination of bishops loyal to the Church’s holy tradition.’ Despite the severe consequences, the event resembled a festival, with attendees receiving branded merchandise and participating in celebratory activities. The SSPX, founded in 1970 by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, has long opposed reforms introduced by the Second Vatican Council, which modernized Church practices.