Religious Split Between the Vatican and the Society of St. Pius X

梵蒂岡與聖庇護十號會的宗教分裂

Jul 5, 2026, 16:30
EuropeSociety

Introduction

The Vatican has officially excommunicated the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) and its members after the group appointed four bishops without permission.

由於聖庇護十號會（SSPX）在未經許可的情況下任命了四位主教，梵蒂岡已正式將該組織及其成員逐出教會。

Main Body

The current crisis began on July 1, when Bishop Alfonso de Galarreta and Bishop Bernard Fellay ordained four priests without the approval of Pope Leo XIV. According to Catholic law, the Pope has total authority over the appointment of bishops to ensure the continuity of the church. Consequently, the Vatican decided that these actions created a formal split, known as a schism. Although the Vatican previously offered to discuss the issue, the SSPX reportedly rejected these offers. As a result, the excommunication now includes all SSPX priests and followers, meaning their religious services, such as marriages and confessions, are no longer considered valid.

目前的危機始於 7 月 1 日，當時 Alfonso de Galarreta 主教與 Bernard Fellay 主教在未經教宗 Leo XIV 批准的情況下，晉升了四位神父。根據天主教法，教宗對主教的任命擁有絕對權力，以確保教會的延續性。因此，梵蒂岡決定這些行為造成了正式分裂，即所謂的「分派」。雖然梵蒂岡此前曾提出討論此問題，但據報導 SSPX 拒絕了這些提議。結果，此次逐出教會令現已涵蓋所有 SSPX 神父及追隨者，這意味著他們主持的宗教儀式（如結婚與告解）不再被視為有效。

This conflict is based on the SSPX's rejection of the modernization reforms from the Second Vatican Council, especially regarding the use of local languages instead of Latin. Founded in 1970 by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, the Society is a global organization with about 30,000 members and 124 priests in the United States. This situation is very similar to a split in 1988 when Lefebvre also ordained bishops without permission. While Pope Benedict XVI later helped resolve that conflict in 2009, the current administration under Pope Leo XIV has emphasized that the reforms of Vatican II are essential to the Church's future.

這次衝突源於 SSPX 拒絕第二次梵蒂岡大公會議的現代化改革，特別是關於使用在地語言取代拉丁文的規定。該會由總主教 Marcel Lefebvre 於 1970 年創立，是一個全球性組織，在美國約有 30,000 名成員與 124 位神父。此情況與 1988 年的一次分裂非常相似，當時 Lefebvre 同樣在未經許可下晉升主教。雖然教宗 Benedict XVI 於 2009 年協助解決了該衝突，但 Leo XIV 教宗領導下的現任管理層強調，第二次梵蒂岡大公會議的改革對教會的未來至關重要。

Opinions on the matter remain divided. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, speaking for the Vatican, asserted that these unauthorized ordinations deeply damage the unity of the church. On the other hand, SSPX representatives, such as Reverend Georg Kopf, argued that their actions were necessary to provide spiritual care for traditionalists. He further suggested that a future Pope might eventually welcome the group back into the church, citing the example of Pope Benedict XVI.

外界對此事的看法依然分歧。代表梵蒂岡的 Pietro Parolin 樞機斷言，這些未經授權的晉升嚴重損害了教會的統一。另一方面，SSPX 代表（如 Georg Kopf 神父）則主張，他們的行動是為了給傳統主義者提供靈性關懷而必須採取且必要的。他進一步暗示，未來的教宗最終可能會歡迎該組織重返教會，並引用了教宗 Benedict XVI 的例子。

Conclusion

The Vatican maintains that the excommunications are still in effect, while the SSPX continues to operate despite the formal split.

梵蒂岡堅持逐出教會令依然有效，而 SSPX 儘管處於正式分裂狀態仍繼續運作。

Vocabulary Learning

The 'Connective Leap': Moving from A2 to B2

At the A2 level, students usually connect ideas with simple words like and, but, or because. To reach B2, you must stop using these 'baby' connectors and start using Logical Transitions.

Look at how this text guides the reader. It doesn't just list facts; it builds a legal and historical argument using specific 'Bridge Words'.

⚡ The Power Shift

Instead of saying "So" or "And then", the text uses these high-level alternatives:

  • Consequently →\rightarrow (A2: So)

    • "Consequently, the Vatican decided that these actions created a formal split."
    • B2 Logic: This shows a direct cause-and-effect relationship in a formal way.

  • On the other hand →\rightarrow (A2: But)

    • "On the other hand, SSPX representatives... argued that their actions were necessary."
    • B2 Logic: This signals a 'pivot'. It tells the reader: "I am now presenting the opposite perspective."

  • Despite →\rightarrow (A2: But / Even though)

    • "...the SSPX continues to operate despite the formal split."
    • B2 Logic: This creates a contrast where one thing happens even though there is an obstacle.

🛠️ How to apply this

To sound like a B2 speaker, stop starting your sentences with But. Try this formula:

[Fact A]. Consequently, [Result B]. Example: I missed the bus. →\rightarrow I missed the bus; consequently, I was late for the interview.

[Perspective A]. On the other hand, [Perspective B]. Example: Living in a city is exciting. →\rightarrow Living in a city is exciting. On the other hand, it is very expensive.

Quick Tip: Notice that these words are often followed by a comma (,). This pause is the 'rhythm' of professional English.

Vocabulary Learning

excommunicated (v.)
To officially exclude someone 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.
continuity (n.)
The state of remaining unchanged or continuing in the same way over a period of time.
Example:The company focuses on continuity in leadership to ensure long-term stability.
schism (n.)
A formal 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 policy.
valid (adj.)
Legally or officially acceptable; based on truth or sound reasoning.
Example:Since the document was not signed by a witness, it was not considered a valid contract.
emphasized (v.)
To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.
Example:The teacher emphasized the importance of reviewing the vocabulary before the final exam.
asserted (v.)
To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
Example:The lawyer asserted that his client was innocent despite the evidence presented.
unauthorized (adj.)
Not having official permission or approval.
Example:Unauthorized personnel are not allowed to enter the laboratory.
Practice B2 words in a crossword→