Syracuse bishop warns Society of Saint Pius X followers of possible excommunication

Catholics who continue to formally follow the Society of Saint Pius X face excommunication, the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Syracuse warned in a letter.

The warning follows the Vatican’s declaration that the Society of Saint Pius X, known as SSPX, entered a formal schism after consecrating four bishops without Pope Leo XIV’s approval during a July 1 ceremony in Switzerland. That means the Vatican regards SSPX clergy and followers as having separated themselves from the Church.

Within the Syracuse diocese, the SSPX operates Blessed Virgin Mary Church & Priory and Mater Dei Academy in Warners, a hamlet in Onondaga County, as well as St. Athanasius Church in Endwell. The society operates eight churches across New York state.

Syracuse Bishop Douglas J. Lucia said in the letter that SSPX priests are now considered excommunicated. He also warned that Catholics who formally adhere to the society after learning of the Vatican’s decree face excommunication under church law.

“Everyone should be aware that formal adherence to schism is a grave offense against God and carries the penalty of excommunication decreed by the Church’s law,” Lucia wrote.

He instructed Catholics not to attend SSPX churches or receive sacraments from its clergy, including baptism, Holy Communion, confession, confirmation, marriage and holy orders.

Lucia said confessions heard by SSPX priests and marriages performed by them are no longer considered valid by the Catholic Church. He also said the diocese will no longer permit the society to use diocesan churches or parish property for liturgies or other gatherings.

The Vatican said the decree excommunicates the society’s estimated 750 bishops and priests. It also states that Catholics who formally adhere to the group after being informed of the declaration are excommunicated.

In a statement, the society acknowledged it acted without Pope Leo XIV’s authorization but said the consecrations of the new bishops were necessary to preserve Catholic tradition and ensure its future ministry.

The SSPX celebrates the traditional Latin Mass and rejects some reforms adopted by the Catholic Church following the Second Vatican Council.

SSPX, founded in 1970, has more than 700 chapels, churches, and mission centers in 60 nations, according to the society.