Pope Leo XIV has excommunicated four bishops from the traditionalist Catholic group Society of St. Pius X, declaring the movement in schism. The Vatican announced the decision after the bishops proceeded with unauthorized consecrations, a move that defied the Pope's explicit warnings.
The Society of St. Pius X, founded by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, broke with Rome in 1988 after consecrating four bishops against the orders of Pope John Paul II. While Lefebvre was excommunicated at that time, the society has since sought reconciliation with the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI lifted the excommunications of the four bishops in 2009, but the status of the society remained contentious.
This latest action by Pope Leo XIV reiterates the Vatican's stance against actions that undermine papal authority and canonical norms. The unauthorized consecrations are seen as a direct challenge to the Pope's leadership and the unity of the Catholic Church.