Cardinal Raymond Burke has stated that if the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) proceeds with episcopal consecrations without a papal mandate, those directly involved would incur latae sententiae (automatic) excommunication under canon law.
In an exclusive interview with Michael Haynes of Per Mariam, Cardinal Burke said he does not expect the Holy See to make a last-minute intervention before the planned consecrations.
“It seems to me, at least the way I understand it, that the approach is to let them go ahead and do this. Ordaining bishops without a papal mandate will incur a latae sententiae excommunication, and that will have to be published by the Holy See,” he said.
The American cardinal, however, expressed hope that the Vatican would continue efforts toward reconciliation by appointing one or more cardinals to meet with members of the SSPX.
“I’m still hoping that the Holy See would designate a cardinal or two, or even three cardinals, to meet with any members of the Priestly Society of St. Pius X,” Burke said, adding that many within the Society themselves view the proposed consecrations as “a schismatic act” and could still be reconciled.
Addressing the canonical implications, Burke explained that automatic excommunication would apply to those who “actively, knowingly, and willingly” cooperate in the illicit episcopal consecrations, including both the consecrating bishops and those receiving episcopal ordination.
At the same time, Burke rejected speculation that all SSPX members could be declared excommunicated. He argued that many faithful and priests associated with the Society do not possess a schismatic mentality but are primarily attached to the Traditional Latin Mass.
He also cited recent research by Dr. Stephen Bullivant and Dr. Stephen Cranney, saying it indicates that most Catholics devoted to the Traditional Latin Mass do not reject the validity of the Second Vatican Council.
Burke also dismissed the SSPX’s long-standing claim that a “state of emergency” in the Church justifies episcopal consecrations without papal approval.
“Certainly the present situation does not constitute a state of emergency,” he said, emphasizing that Christ remains with His Church despite its present difficulties.
“Even if there are serious difficulties in the Church, and surely there are, we stay by our Lord and we fight and do our part to be faithful. The rest is in the hands of God.”
The cardinal concluded by stressing that no circumstances can justify actions contrary to the Church’s law and unity.
“No situation justifies doing something that is intrinsically evil,” he said.
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