Pope Leo makes Final Appeal to the SSPX, promises 'Dialogue'
The papal letter comes less than a day before the July 1 consecrations, and at the time of publication the SSPX have not issued a response.
The Pope has issued his final appeal to the Society of St. Pius X, warning that if they continue with the planned episcopal consecrations then they will be committing a “sin of extreme gravity.”
Published without warning on the morning of June 30, the letter from Pope Leo was dated June 29 and addressed to Father Davide Pagliarani, the Superior General of the SSPX.
It remains to be seen if the Society will issue a response to the Pope or postpone the consecrations. However the Pope’s letter does make mention of being open to “dialogue” which paints a more open picture than that given by the last communications between the Society and Cardinal Fernández.
The full letter is below
With a paternal heart, and aware of the responsibility entrusted to me by the Lord as the Successor of the Apostle Peter, I address you and, through you, the bishops, priests, seminarians and faithful connected to the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X.
The Church recognizes the devotion to liturgical life, commitment to priestly formation, apostolic zeal and desire for fidelity to Tradition that characterize many people and communities connected to your Fraternity. This has motivated the attentive and generous attitude that my Predecessors have consistently shown to you.
In this spirit, and filled with Christian affection, I plead with you and ask you with all my heart: please turn back! I urge you to consider carefully the spiritual good of the faithful, because the schismatic act you are about to undertake would deprive them of the licit and, in some cases, even valid reception of the Sacraments, which they love and seek for their sanctification.
The Church is open to a path of dialogue and understanding that the Holy Spirit can make possible and fruitful.
I pray for you, because to tear the seamless garment of Christ is a sin of extreme gravity. May the Lord enlighten your consciences and awaken your hearts. With a sorrowful yet hopeful heart, I feel it is my duty, through the authority received from Christ, to ask you to desist from your intended act. I entrust these intentions to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Good Counsel.
From the Vatican, 29 June 2026
Solemnity of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul
The Holy Father's timing and letter is disingenuous. It is given to offer himself some level of cover. "All can see that I reached out to SSPX, but as always they reject my overtures." A sincere response would start with addressing the 150 points of the Catholic Faith developed by SSPX. The Vatican should also lift restricts on the Latin Mass imposed under Francis.
Blessing sodomite couples is just as grave a sin as is allowing divorced couples living in adultery to receive the Eucharist ! Francis and Leo are not keepers of the Majesterium, using the synodal way to “pastorally” change ancient Church teaching on morality which is a grave sin.