SSPX consecration plan sets up major test for Pope Leo XIV

Might the much publicized plan end up forcing the hand of Pope Leo XIV into action over the traditional Mass?

(Pelican+) — The decision by the Society of Saint Pius X to consecrate new bishops could force the hand of Pope Leo XIV into taking action over the traditional Mass.

Amid the swirling reactions to Monday’s announcement from the General House of the SSPX regarding upcoming July 1 episcopal consecrations, one thing that stands out clearly is the political nature of the statement.

Had the SSPX wished to simply consecrate more bishops out of “the good we can do for Holy Mother Church,” then there would have been no need to give five months notice of such an event. What was underlying this aspect is the attempt to engage in negotiations of some sort with the Holy See in that time, in order to come to a happy resolution.

Some might reasonably call the tactic an attempt to strong arm the Pope into acquiescing to the demands made by the Society.

Indeed, in making his announcement on Monday, SSPX Superior General Father Davide Pagliarani revealed the background of negotiations which have been underway between the SSPX and the Holy See.

Referring to what he denoted as the Society’s “exceptional situation,” Pagliarani commented: “We wrote to the Holy Father: Your Holiness, we have but one intention, which is to make all the souls who turn to us, true sons of the Roman Catholic Church.”

The SSPX also noted that Pagliarani requested a papal audience with Leo in August, something which was not granted – and that itself is notable, given Leo’s generally permissive approach to such requests for meetings.

Also revealed was the letter from the Holy See received by the SSPX from Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández “in recent days,” which “does not in any way respond to our requests.”

Information on what the Vatican’s letter contained, or what the Society’s requests were, was not presented – although the SSPX have promised additional information forthwith.

But by publicizing the negotiations….

The rest of this analysis conducted exclusively for Pelican+, is found at this link. Readers interested to subscribe and follow this correspondent’ Vatican reporting for Pelican can do so here with the discount code “HAYNES.”