Introduction

In early July 2026 the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) performed illicit episcopal ordinations, prompting the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith to declare the society schismatic and to impose automatic excommunications on its bishops and clergy. In response, Catholic bishops across the United States issued pastoral statements to help the faithful understand the situation, protect sacramental integrity, and pray for the healing of the Church.

Pastoral Guidance from the U.S. Hierarchy

Archbishop Bernard Hebda of Saint Paul and Minneapolis emphasized that the sacraments celebrated by SSPX priests are illicit, and that the priests’ faculties to hear confessions or witness marriages have been revoked, rendering those sacraments invalid. He urged Catholics to turn to the six Traditional Latin Mass locations in his archdiocese for the liturgy they cherish, and asked everyone to pray for unity and for those attached to the SSPX.

Bishop Terry LaValley of Ogdensburg, New York, highlighted that the division goes beyond preferences for the liturgy. He warned that the SSPX rejects key teachings of the Second Vatican Council, including ecumenism, religious liberty, and collegiality. He encouraged the faithful to avoid SSPX activities and offered local traditional‑Latin‑Mass churches as alternatives, while remaining open to SSPX priests who wish to return to full communion.

In Wisconsin, Bishop Donald Hying of Madison reminded Catholics that SSPX priests cannot lawfully minister in the Church, noting that their celebrations of confession and marriage are invalid. He described the schismatic actions as a wound to the path toward unity and called the faithful to pray for the day when all may be one.

Archbishop Gustavo García‑Siller of San Antonio, Texas, instructed Catholics to cease attending SSPX chapels and to stop financially supporting the society. He explained that, in light of the recent Vatican decree, he will no longer delegate SSPX priests to officiate weddings or any ministry within his archdiocese. He called for adherence to the Pope and the hierarchy, urging prayer for the reunion of all Christians.

In Connecticut, Bishop Frank Caggiano of Bridgeport expressed deep sadness for those who have attended SSPX liturgies. He clarified that the excommunication does not extend to individuals who merely attended out of sincere worship without rejecting papal authority. He invited former SSPX attendees to return to diocesan parishes that celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass and emphasized the Church’s willingness to welcome anyone seeking full communion.

Other bishops, including Bishop James Johnston Jr. (Missouri), Archbishop Shawn McKnight (Kansas), and Bishop Douglas Lucia (Syracuse), reiterated the imperative to avoid participation in SSPX sacraments, stressing that any formal adherence to the schism carries the penalty of excommunication, except in cases of danger of death.

Conclusion

The united pastoral response of U.S. bishops reflects a clear priority: protect the faithful from illicit sacraments, preserve communion with the Pope, and foster prayer for the healing of the Church. By directing Catholics to legitimate traditional‑Latin‑Mass parishes and emphasizing openness to the return of SSPX clergy, the bishops aim to mend the breach created by the recent schism while reaffirming the Church’s commitment to unity under the successor of Peter.