Rain poured down on Écône, Switzerland, on July 1, 2026, as a controversial event unfolded. Around 17,000 people from many countries gathered despite the storm to watch the Society of Saint Pius X ordain four priests as bishops. This traditionalist Catholic group acted without permission from the Pope in Rome.
The ceremony used the old Latin Mass. The new bishops swore loyalty to Pope Leo XIV, but their ordination went against his direct orders. This act automatically led to their excommunication from the Catholic Church. The Vatican had tried hard to stop this. Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, wanted to unite the church. He sent a letter asking them to stop, warning that it would divide the church.
The group refused to change their plans. This conflict started over 50 years ago when Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre founded the organization. They disagree with changes made after the Second Vatican Council, like moving away from Latin services. The group says it has about 600,000 followers worldwide.
This event happened 38 years after a similar unauthorized ceremony in 1988 led by Archbishop Lefebvre. That event caused Pope John Paul II to excommunicate Lefebvre and his new bishops. The two bishops who led the 2026 ceremony were among those excommunicated in 1988. They were the only bishops left in the society, which is why they needed new leaders.
The Vatican tried to negotiate, offering to talk if the ordinations were postponed. The group refused. A Vatican official warned that proceeding without approval would mean automatic excommunication and limit access to church sacraments. However, the traditionalists see their actions as preserving true Catholic practice. They believe they are acting out of necessity, like helping someone in danger, even if others do not understand.