Cardinals Müller and Sarah Urge SSPX to Recognize Pope Leo XIV and Avoid Schism
Two senior Catholic cardinals have publicly urged the Society of St. Pius X to recognize the authority of Pope Leo XIV and refrain from proceeding with episcopal ordinations planned without papal approval, warning that such actions risk deepening divisions within the Church.
Cardinal Gerhard Müller, former prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, and Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect emeritus of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, issued separate statements following a letter from SSPX superior Father Davide Pagliarani indicating that the society intends to ordain bishops this summer despite Vatican objections.
The Society of St. Pius X, founded in 1969 by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, has long maintained an irregular canonical status due to its rejection of certain teachings of the Second Vatican Council and its strained relationship with Rome. The Vatican has repeatedly sought dialogue in an effort to restore full communion.
In his statement, Cardinal Müller said that authentic fidelity to Catholic tradition requires recognition of the pope not only in theory but also in practical submission to his teaching authority and jurisdiction. He argued that throughout Church history, doctrinal crises were overcome by those who remained in communion with the successor of Peter rather than separating themselves from ecclesial authority.
Cardinal Sarah likewise emphasized that unity with the pope is essential for safeguarding the deposit of faith. While acknowledging that some Catholics have expressed concern about doctrinal confusion or liturgical abuses in recent decades, he maintained that deliberate disobedience to the Church’s law cannot serve the salvation of souls. He cautioned against framing acts of defiance as necessary for preserving tradition.
The controversy intensified after Father Pagliarani wrote to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith declining further doctrinal dialogue under proposed terms and confirming the society’s intention to move forward with consecrations scheduled for July 1. Vatican officials have warned that unauthorized episcopal ordinations would constitute a decisive rupture of ecclesial communion and could be considered schismatic under canon law.
Both cardinals invoked Church history and the witness of saints to underscore their appeal for unity. They referenced St. Catherine of Siena, who called for reform within the Church while remaining obedient to the pope, and cited Scripture and conciliar teaching affirming the primacy of the Bishop of Rome.
The statements reflect renewed concern in Rome over the possibility of further separation between the SSPX and the Holy See. Pope Leo XIV has expressed a desire to foster unity among Catholics while upholding the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and the authority of the Petrine ministry.
Observers note that the coming months will be critical in determining whether dialogue can resume or whether the planned consecrations will deepen the longstanding rift.
