The Vatican Declares the Society of Saint Pius X in Schism After Unauthorized Bishop Appointments

梵蒂岡宣布聖庇護十世會因未經授權任命主教而陷入分裂

Jul 2, 2026, 19:04
EuropeSociety

Introduction

The Vatican has excommunicated the leaders and members of the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) after the group appointed four bishops without the Pope's permission.

由於聖庇護十世會（SSPX）在未經教宗許可的情況下任命了四位主教，梵蒂岡已將該組織的領導人與成員逐出教會。

Main Body

The current crisis was caused by a ceremony held on Wednesday at the SSPX seminary in Switzerland, where two bishops appointed four new priests as bishops. This action happened despite a formal warning from Pope Leo XIV, who described the ordinations as a 'sin of extreme gravity' and a threat to the unity of the Church. Consequently, the Vatican issued a decree on Thursday stating that the six bishops involved are now excommunicated. Furthermore, the Vatican extended these penalties to all priests and lay Catholics who follow the society, officially labeling the group as being in a state of schism.

目前的危機是由於週三在瑞士的 SSPX 神學院舉行的一場儀式所引起，當時兩位主教任命了四位新神父為主教。儘管教宗利奧十四世已正式警告，將此任命描述為「極其嚴重的罪行」且威脅教會的統一，但該行動依然發生。因此，梵蒂岡於週四發布法令，聲明涉事六位主教已被逐出教會。此外，梵蒂岡將這些處分擴大至所有追隨該會的神父和平信徒，正式將該組織標記為處於分裂狀態。

This conflict is based on a long-term disagreement over the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965). The SSPX, founded in 1970, rejects the Council's reforms regarding dialogue with other religions and the change from Latin to local languages during Mass. This situation is similar to a 1988 conflict where the group also appointed bishops without permission. Although previous Popes tried to improve relations and granted some limited permissions for marriages and confessions, the SSPX remained irregular. The current decree cancels these permissions, meaning the society's administration of these sacraments is now considered invalid.

此次衝突源於對第二次梵蒂岡大公會議（1962-1965年）的長期分歧。成立於1970年的 SSPX 拒絕該會議關於與其他宗教對話以及彌撒由拉丁文改為當地語言的改革。這種情況與1988年的衝突相似，當時該組織同樣在未經許可的情況下任命主教。雖然前任教宗曾嘗試改善關係，並授予部分有限的結婚與告解許可，但 SSPX 仍處於不正規狀態。目前的法令取消了這些許可，這意味著該會對這些聖事的施行現在被視為無效。

The SSPX has defended its actions by claiming a 'state of necessity.' They asserted that because they have very few bishops, they needed new ones to lead their global community of approximately 600,000 members. The society's leader, Davide Pagliarani, emphasized that this act was not a rebellion, but rather a service to the Church to protect traditional beliefs from modern errors.

SSPX 以聲稱處於「必要狀態」來為其行為辯護。他們主張由於主教人數極少，需要新主教來領導全球約60萬名成員的社群。該會領導人 Davide Pagliarani 強調，此舉並非反叛，而是為了保護傳統信仰免受現代錯誤影響而為教會提供的服務。

Conclusion

The Vatican has now formally ended its ties with the SSPX, removing all legal permissions and excommunicating its members.

梵蒂岡現已正式終止與 SSPX 的關係，撤銷所有法律許可並將其成員逐出教會。

Vocabulary Learning

🚀 The "Connector Jump": From Simple Sentences to B2 Flow

At the A2 level, you likely say: "The Vatican is angry. They excommunicated the leaders. The group appointed bishops."

To reach B2, you need to glue these ideas together using Logical Connectors. The article uses three specific types of 'glue' that you can steal to make your English sound more professional and fluid.

1. The Result Glue: Consequently & Furthermore

Instead of just using "so" or "and," look at how the text links an action to a result:

  • "...a threat to the unity of the Church. Consequently, the Vatican issued a decree..."

The B2 Shift:

  • A2: "The weather was bad, so we stayed home."
  • B2: "The weather was terrible; consequently, we decided to stay indoors."

2. The Contrast Glue: Despite & Although

B2 speakers show that two opposite things are happening at the same time. This is the mark of a sophisticated learner.

  • "This action happened despite a formal warning..."
  • *"Although previous Popes tried to improve relations... the SSPX remained irregular."

Quick Tip:

  • Use Despite + [Noun/Gerund] →\rightarrow Despite the rain...
  • Use Although + [Subject + Verb] →\rightarrow Although it was raining...

3. The Reason Glue: By claiming & Due to

Instead of always using "because," the article explains the method of justification:

  • *"The SSPX has defended its actions by claiming a 'state of necessity.'"

Try this: Instead of saying "I learned English because I watched movies," try "I improved my listening skills by watching movies."

🗝️ Vocabulary Upgrade: The 'Official' Tone To move toward B2, swap your common words for these 'Institutional' verbs found in the text:

  • ❌ Give a rule →\rightarrow ✅ Issue a decree
  • ❌ Stop a permission →\rightarrow ✅ Cancel permissions
  • ❌ Say strongly →\rightarrow ✅ Assert / Emphasize

Vocabulary Learning

excommunicated (v.)
Officially excluded from participation in the sacraments and services of the Christian Church.
Example:The priest was excommunicated after he publicly disagreed with the church's core doctrines.
gravity (n.)
The seriousness or importance of a situation.
Example:The judge emphasized the gravity of the crime during the sentencing hearing.
consequently (adv.)
As a result of something that has happened.
Example:He failed to submit his application on time; consequently, he was not considered for the job.
decree (n.)
An official order issued by a legal authority.
Example:The government issued a decree banning the use of plastic bags in all retail stores.
schism (n.)
A split or division between strongly opposed sections or groups, caused by differences in opinion or belief.
Example:The political party suffered a major schism over the new tax proposal.
reforms (n.)
Improvements or changes made to a system or organization to make it more effective.
Example:The company introduced several structural reforms to increase productivity.
irregular (adj.)
Not conforming to a standard rule, system, or pattern.
Example:The accountant was fired after the company discovered irregular payments in the ledger.
invalid (adj.)
Not legally or officially acceptable.
Example:The contract was declared invalid because it had not been signed by both parties.
asserted (v.)
Stated a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
Example:The lawyer asserted that her client was innocent despite the evidence presented.
emphasized (v.)
Gave special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.
Example:The teacher emphasized the importance of reviewing the notes before the final exam.
Practice B2 words in a crossword→