Society of Saint Pius X consecrates four bishops without papal approval
The traditionalist Society of Saint Pius X held a ceremony in Switzerland to ordain four new bishops, an act that violates canon law and could trigger automatic excommunication.
The Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) performed a episcopal consecration ceremony in Econe, Switzerland, ordaining four new bishops without the consent of Pope Francis. The rite, conducted during a Mass in the Alpine valley, involved Bishop Alfonso de Galarreta laying hands on the candidates, a ritual that, under Catholic canon law, can result in automatic excommunication for those involved.
SSPX says the consecrations were necessary to serve its worldwide community, which it claims maintains traditional liturgical practices such as Latin Masses and opposes reforms introduced by the Second Vatican Council. The group identified the new bishops as Pascal Schreiber (Switzerland), Michael Goldade (United States), Michel Poinsinet de Sivry (France) and Marc Hanappier (France).
"We ask the Holy Father to wait before any penalty is declared," SSPX Superior Rev. Davide Pagliarani said in response to a papal letter urging the group not to proceed.
The ceremony was livestreamed and attended by thousands of faithful, who were offered commemorative items such as wine bottles bearing episcopal insignia and caps marked with “Econe2026.” The event coincides with the 38th anniversary of a similar consecration by SSPX that had previously led to excommunication, a penalty later lifted in 2009.
Canon law states that excommunication bars a person from receiving sacraments and participating fully in the Catholic community. The Vatican has not yet announced any formal disciplinary action.
