As had been widely expected, the so-called FSSPX community was automatically excommunicated by the Vatican after proceeding with the consecration of four bishops, which had been prohibited by the Holy See. Thus, the “traditionalist” cult founded by the late Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre caused a mini-schism again, similar to the one consummated in 1988 under Pope John Paul II. Despite the fact that the mainstream and liberal media gave major importance to the event, today’s mini-schism will have less, if any, impact on the Catholic Church than the 1988 one. The FSSPX rejects major parts of Vatican II Council, which they accuse of introducing “modernism” in the Church. They might have some appeal to conservative Catholics under a liberal Pope, but, according to insiders, their chances of attracting members of the Catholic Church under a Pope such as Leo XIV are minimal.
Following the 1988 mini-schism, then head of the Congregation of Faith Cardinal Ratzinger conducted a dialogue, continued when he became Pope Benedict, that led to a new motu proprio, called Summarium Pontificum, allowing the FSSPX community to celebrate mass in Latin. Eventually, the Pope lifted the excommunication of the illicitly consecrated bishops. The schism was never formally cancelled, but dialogue proceeded. However, in 2021, the new Pope, Francis, restricted the concessions given by his predecessors, putting decisions on liturgy back in the hands of local bishops through the apostolic letter Traditionis Custodes. The new Prefect of the Congregation of the Faith, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, kept a hard line, insisting that the TC was the only text to be referenced.
Thus, Pope Leo XIV has inherited a complicated situation, which has escalated recently with the FSSPX decision to consecrate new bishops, against the will of the Pope. Whereas the new mini-schism will only marginally damage the Catholic Church, no major conflict in the present geopolitical showdown can be viewed in an isolated way. Since Pope Leo XIV is one of the few most powerful voices for peace, the question to be asked is: Why is the international controlled media playing this sect up in such a major way? The cui bono question must be examined.
