EPISTLES

On 24 June 2026, shortly before both the Vatican’s Extraordinary Consistory and the SSPX’s planned episcopal consecrations at Ecône, the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) issued an open letter to Pope Leo XIV and the Cardinals. Signed by Superior General Davide Pagliarani and other senior leaders, the letter presents a 28-page Profession of Faith, which the SSPX describes as a peaceful but firm defense of Catholic Tradition.

The Society argues that the Church is suffering from both internal and external pressures and that Tradition contains the remedies for the current crisis. It also expresses hope that this document may serve as the basis for a frank and charitable doctrinal discussion with the Holy See.

What is right? As Catholics, the SSPX certainly has the right to express its concerns about the state of the Church. They are also correct in recognizing that a renewed appreciation for Tradition can help address many of the problems facing Catholic life today. Reverent worship, sound doctrine, and fidelity to the Church’s Sacred Tradition are genuine remedies for many contemporary challenges.

What is wrong? The idea that Tradition alone will resolve the Church’s current difficulties is an illusion. Tradition is an essential part of the solution, but the Church’s challenges are more complex than simply returning to older forms or placing greater emphasis on Tradition. Authentic renewal also requires holiness, evangelization, prudent governance, charity, and, above all, unity with the Church’s legitimate authority.

What is most striking—and alarming, though sadly typical of the SSPX’s attitude—is its apparent attempt to set the terms of any future discussion with Rome. By presenting this document as the basis for a future “frank discussion” with the Holy See, the impression is given that the conversation must proceed on the SSPX’s chosen framework. In other words, the SSPX seems to be telling the Pope: “We will proceed with an illicit episcopal consecration; here is our profession of faith; these are the topics we are willing to discuss—and nothing else.”

But no group in the Church has the authority to dictate to Rome which subjects may or may not be discussed. The Pope sets the terms of communion and dialogue, not the SSPX. In the Catholic understanding of authority, it is the Pope who binds, not the SSPX.

Genuine dialogue requires both parties to be free to raise the questions they consider important. Once again, the SSPX appears less interested in humbly submitting its concerns to the judgment of the Pope and more interested in defining the agenda itself. Whether consciously or not, this reflects a recurring tendency: attempting to direct the conversation rather than approaching the Holy See with the humility and openness that true ecclesial dialogue requires.

Will Pope Leo listen and respond positively?

It is charitable to pray and hope that he will. Every Catholic should desire reconciliation, unity, and a fruitful dialogue between Rome and the SSPX.

At the same time, recent comments from Pope Leo suggest that he does not view the current situation as one in which Rome must adjust its position to accommodate the SSPX. Speaking about the Society’s planned episcopal consecrations, he stated that the decision to proceed was ultimately “their choice” and that, if they persisted, “we must move forward.”

Those words are significant. They indicate that the Pope sees the present impasse as largely the result of decisions made by the SSPX itself. While he has expressed regret over division and a desire for communion, he has also made clear that the Church cannot remain indefinitely suspended while waiting for the Society to change course.

For that reason, it would be unrealistic to expect Pope Leo simply to endorse the SSPX’s framework or accept a dialogue conducted on the Society’s terms. If reconciliation is to occur, it will require not only Rome’s willingness to listen, but also the SSPX’s willingness to receive guidance from the authority of the Church. The Pope has left the door open, but he has also made clear that the Church must continue her mission, with or without the SSPX’s cooperation.