The schism between the Catholic Church and the followers of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre has officially reached its culmination with the ordination of four new bishops by the Lefebvrists. This act marks a definitive break from Rome, echoing the controversial ordinations carried out exactly 38 years ago on June 30, 1988, when Lefebvre defied Pope John Paul II’s wishes and ordained four bishops without papal approval. Two of these individuals—Monsignor Alfonso de Galarreta and Monsignor Bernard Fellay—are among the celebrants today, making them recipients of a second excommunication following the Vatican's formal forgiveness under Pope Benedict XVI in 2009.
This excommunication, known as *latae sententiae*, is automatic and applies immediately upon the commissioning of the bishops. The Vatican is expected to formally recognize this action in the coming days. According to Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the ordination represents a rupture within the unity of the Church and will result in sanctions. However, he expressed sorrow over the situation and emphasized his hope that dialogue could resume despite the current division. During the lengthy ceremony, which lasted nearly six hours and included processions, Mass, litany, blessings, Rosaries, and other traditional rites, prayers were also offered for the Pope. Despite their public declaration of loyalty to Rome, the ultra-traditionalists have clearly turned their backs on both Pope Leo XIV and the entire Vatican apparatus.
Don Davide Pagliarani, superior of the Fraternity of Saint Pius X, stated during the Mass held at Econe, Switzerland, that they are prepared to face any consequences for preserving the Church. He acknowledged that they would likely be treated similarly to how Lefebvre was treated in 1988. In his homily, Pagliarani described the day as historic and a celebration, outlining the reasons behind the fracture. He referred to the Pope as “humiliated” and argued that this humiliation affects the entire Church. The central issue, according to the Lefebvrists, remains their rejection of the Second Vatican Council, which they have consistently refused to accept and will continue to reject. Through Pagliarani’s words, the group listed several grievances, emphasizing that they speak a language of faith and tradition while encountering a discourse centered around inclusion, dialogue, and accompaniment. They argue that their focus is solely on faith, though they believe dialogue should serve the purpose of converting others.
The newly ordained bishops include Pascal Schreiber, a Swiss national aged 53 who was ordained a priest at Econe in 1998; Michael Goldade, originally from North Dakota but raised in Kansas, United States; Michel Poinsinet de Sivry, 42 years old; and Marc Happier, 36 years old, both French nationals. Their young ages highlight the appeal of a return to strict traditional practices—those that exclude dialogue, reject divorce and LGBTQ+ individuals, favor long robes and kneeling communion, disapprove of guitar music, and prefer elaborate vestments. These traditions seem to attract younger generations, similar to how extremist political movements gain traction across Europe and beyond. Despite the length of the ceremony, the heat, and later a sudden downpour, numerous families with small children remained present at the open field in Econe. Now, it remains to be seen whether this "divorce" will remain confined to the Fraternity of Saint Pius X or if it might trigger broader upheaval within conservative circles globally.
Several cardinals known for their traditionalist leanings, including American Cardinal Raymond Burke and German Cardinal Gerhard Müller, have distanced themselves from the Lefebvrists' actions. A Vatican source quietly expressed concern that this wave of defiance might lead others to follow suit. As the dust settles, attention turns toward the potential implications of this schism, both within the Church and beyond.
10 reports
ANSAIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 652 days agoThe Lefebvrists, a traditionalist Catholic group, have officially broken away from the Vatican by ordaining four new bishops in defiance of papal authority. This act mirrors a similar schism in 1988 when Marcel Lefebvre defied Pope John Paul II by ordaining bishops against his wishes. The newly ordained bishops—Alfonso de Galarreta, Bernard Fellay, Pascal Schreiber, Michael Goldade, Michel Poinsinet de Sivry, and Marc Happier—are now automatically excommunicated under Church law, pending formal Vatican approval. Despite this, the Lefebvrists claim their actions aim to preserve the Church’s traditional teachings, rejecting the reforms of Vatican II and criticizing modern Church policies they view as compromising faith. They describe their break from Rome as a necessary sacrifice to protect the Church, calling the Pope ‘humiliated’ and accusing the Vatican of moving away from tradition toward inclusivity.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the event factually, quoting both the Lefebvrists and the Vatican, including statements from Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin expressing sorrow and hope for reconciliation. It does not favor one side over the other but provides context on the historical and theological争
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 65): This article provides detailed information about the ordination and excommunication, including historical references and quotes from Vatican officials. While factual accuracy is high, the language carries a somewhat critical tone towards the Lefebvrists, affecting objectivity.
Il Sole 24 OreParty-aligned🔒CenterFactual 88Objective 723 days agoThe Pope has issued an appeal to members of the traditionalist Catholic group Fraternità San Pio X (Lefebvrists), urging them to abandon their plan to consecrate four bishops without papal authorization. The Vatican has labeled this act as schismatic and warned that those involved would face excommunication. In his letter, the Pope emphasized the spiritual harm such an action could cause to the faithful and expressed hope for reconciliation through dialogue. Despite the Vatican’s stance, the Lefebvrists are proceeding with the consecration in Switzerland at the Econe seminary. Additionally, members of the far-right political group Forza Nuova, including Secretary Roberto Fiore, have announced their presence at the event, expressing solidarity with the traditionalist movement while maintaining respect for the Pope and the Church.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the Pope's appeal and the Vatican's position alongside the actions of the Lefebvrists and Forza Nuova. It does not favor one side over the other but provides both perspectives without overtly biased language or selective sourcing.
Why these scores (Factual 88 · Objective 72): The article accurately reflects the Pope’s message and the stance of the Lefebvrists, citing the letter and the potential consequences of their actions. It maintains consistency with other sources but includes some emotional phrasing such as 'lacerare la Tunica inconsutile di Cristo,' which adds a m
la RepubblicaIndependent🔒CenterFactual 75Objective 605 days agoThe article discusses the upcoming ordination of bishops by the Fraternità Sacerdotale San Pio X, which is expected to lead to excommunication by the Vatican. This event marks a significant split within the Catholic Church, as the group has broken away from Pope Leo's authority. The group, known for its traditionalist views, has been active in Switzerland, particularly at the Econe center, which was recently closed. The article highlights the dramatic nature of this schism, referring to it as a 'show' due to its high-profile and symbolic significance.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the situation objectively, focusing on the factual aspects of the schism and the impending excommunications without overtly favoring either side. It does not employ biased language or selectively present information to support a particular viewpoint.
Why these scores (Factual 75 · Objective 60): The article reports on the ordination of bishops by the Lefebvrists leading to Vatican excommunication, aligning with the cross-source consensus. It includes details about the historical context and quotes from officials, but uses emotionally charged language like 'scisma show' and emphasizes the gr
ANSAIndependentCenteryesterday Lefebvriani, il Vaticano decreta la scomunicaThe Vatican has issued a decree declaring six bishops affiliated with the Fraternità Sacerdotale San Pio X—Alfonso de Galarreta, Bernard Fellay, Pascal Schreiber, Michael Goldade, Michel Poinsinet de Sivry, and Marc Hanappier—as automatically excommunicated ('latae sententiae') for conducting four episcopal consecrations without papal authorization and against the will of Pope Francis. The decree was signed by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. The Vatican warns that marriages and confessions performed by these bishops are invalid and urges Catholics to remain in communion with the Pope and the Church. It also states that lay members who formally adhere to the group are considered schismatic and excommunicated, though occasional participation without full support of the split is not punished. The Vatican emphasizes that all situations will be judged individually and that those seeking reconciliation with the Church will be welcomed.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the Vatican's official stance on the excommunication of certain bishops, which is a religious and doctrinal matter rather than a political issue. While the Catholic Church operates within a political framework, the content focuses on internal church discipline and doctrine, not黨
OpenIndependentCenteryesterdayThe Vatican has issued a decree excommunicating members of the Fraternità Sacerdotale San Pio X, commonly known as the Lefebvrists, for conducting bishop ordinations without papal authorization. The excommunication, called 'latae sententiae,' applies automatically to the bishops involved, including Alfonso de Galarreta, Bernard Fellay, and newly ordained bishops Pascal Schreiber, Michael Goldade, Michel Poinsinet de Sivry, and Marc Hanappier. The decree was signed by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, head of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. The Vatican accuses them of acting in a schismatic manner by performing these ordinations against the Pope’s will. The excommunication also warns that laypeople who formally join the group are considered heretics and excommunicated. However, occasional participants are not punished. The Vatican emphasizes that sacraments administered by the Lefebvrists are invalid and urges those seeking reconciliation to return to full communion. The Lefebvrists have responded by expressing regret over the circumstances forcing the ordinations but deny any intent to break communion with the Pope.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the Vatican's official stance and the response from the Lefebvrists without overtly favoring either side. It reports the decree and its implications neutrally, citing both the Vatican's position and the group's rebuttal. While the issue involves religious authority and doctrine,
Il GiornaleParty-alignedCenteryesterdayThe Vatican has declared members of the Fraternity of St. Pius X (FSSPX), including Bishop Alfonso de Galarreta and four newly consecrated bishops, excommunicated for conducting episcopal consecrations without papal authorization, which the Church considers a schismatic act. The decree by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, signed by Cardinal Victor M. Fernandez, states that those involved have incurred automatic excommunication under canon law. The Vatican warns that clergy affiliated with the FSSPX are considered schismatic and that sacraments administered by them are invalid. However, the Church emphasizes that it remains open to those wishing to return to full communion.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on an official Vatican decree regarding excommunications related to the FSSPX, presenting the legal and doctrinal reasoning provided by the Church. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing. The framing is neutral, focusing on the official
Il Fatto QuotidianoIndependentCenteryesterdayThe Vatican has issued an excommunication against bishops of the Fraternity of Saint Pius X (lefevbrians), following their unauthorized episcopal consecrations on July 1st. The decree, signed by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, states that these acts constitute schism and violate canon law. Bishops involved include Alfonso de Galarreta, Pascal Schreiber, Michael Goldade, Michel Poinsinet de Sivry, and Marc Hanappier, while Bishop Bernard Fellay is also implicated for participating in the ceremony. The excommunication is automatic and applies to both clergy and lay members who formally adhere to the group. The Church emphasizes that sacraments administered by the Fraternity are invalid, but expresses openness to those seeking reconciliation.
Bias read (Center): While the subject involves religious authority and internal church politics, the article presents the Vatican’s actions and legal reasoning without overt ideological slant. It reports the decree and its implications objectively, without promoting a particular political agenda beyond the religious or
la RepubblicaIndependent🔒Centeryesterday Lefebvriani, la Santa Sede formalizza lo scisma: “Porte aperte ai fedeli che non aderiscono”The Vatican has issued a decree formally recognizing the schism caused by the consecration of four new bishops at Écône. The document states that members of the Fraternity of St. Pius X, including laypeople who formally adhere to the group, are considered excommunicated. This decision marks a significant step in the ongoing conflict between the Catholic Church and traditionalist groups who reject certain modern reforms. The move comes after the consecration of bishops by the Fraternity, which the Vatican views as a violation of church law. The decree emphasizes that the doors of the Church remain open to those who do not align with the Fraternity.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the Vatican's formal decree regarding the schism with the Fraternity of St. Pius X in a neutral manner, focusing on the official statement without overtly favoring either side. It reports the facts without apparent ideological framing or biased language.
ANSAIndependentCenteryesterday PRIME PAGINE | I Lefebvriani ordinano quattro vescovi, è scisma con RomaThe article discusses the ordination of four bishops by the Lefebvrists, a traditionalist Catholic group, which has led to a schism with the Vatican. The Lefebvrists, followers of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, broke away from the Catholic Church in 1988 over disagreements regarding liturgical reforms and the role of the Pope. This latest development highlights ongoing tensions between the traditionalist movement and the Roman Catholic Church, particularly concerning the validity of their sacraments and authority structures.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the event factually, focusing on the actions of the Lefebvrists and the resulting schism with the Vatican. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing that would indicate a clear ideological lean.
Il Sole 24 OreParty-aligned🔒Centeryesterday Lefebvriani, il Vaticano decreta la scomunica: cos’è e come funzionaThe article reports that the Vatican has issued an excommunication decree against members of the Fraternità Sacerdotale San Pio X, specifically those involved in the unauthorized ordination of four new bishops. The act is considered schismatic because it was performed without papal authorization and against the Pope’s wishes. The excommunication, known as 'latae sententiae,' is automatic and applies to anyone who supports this schismatic action. The decree was signed by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, head of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. This marks the most severe penalty within the Church, which excludes individuals from communion and sacramental life. Two of the bishops previously received and later had their excommunications revoked by previous Popes.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the Vatican's formal decree and historical context regarding excommunications without overtly endorsing or criticizing either side. It provides factual information about the religious implications of the excommunication and references past decisions by different Popes, showing a
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.
Become a Supporter
Italy
