June 25, 2026 — Theology faculty and administrators from Franciscan University of Steubenville have issued an open letter urging the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) to reconsider its reported plan to consecrate bishops on July 1 without papal approval.
Addressed to SSPX Superior General Fr. Davide Pagliarani and the Society’s General Council, the letter praises the SSPX’s love for the traditional liturgy but warns that unauthorized episcopal consecrations would deepen its separation from the Holy See.
Citing Scripture, the First and Second Vatican Councils, and the Code of Canon Law, the signatories emphasize that Catholics are called to remain in visible communion with the Pope and the bishops united with him. They argue that even serious crises within the Church do not justify actions that risk schism.
“A new episcopal ordination outside the ecclesial hierarchy without the Apostolic mandate would create a new wound in the Body of Christ and place the gifts that God has entrusted to the Society, which belong to the Church and are ordered towards unity with her (Lumen Gentium 8), outside of her maternal embrace. Please don’t do this. Please don’t create this wound!”
The letter appeals to the SSPX to abandon the planned consecrations and instead “re-enter into dialogue with the Holy See and into full communion with the Church.”
The letter was signed by 26 theology faculty members and university leaders, including Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR, university president, along with prominent theologians Dr. Scott Hahn, Dr. John Bergsma, Dr. Mark Miravalle, and other members of the Franciscan University theology faculty.
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