Statement of His Eminence Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (13 May 2026)

DICASTERY FOR THE DOCTRINE OF THE FAITH

Statement of His Eminence Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández,
Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith

With regard to the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X, we reiterate what has already been communicated. The episcopal ordinations announced by the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X do not have the requisite papal mandate. This act will constitute “a schismatic act” (John Paul II, Ecclesia Dei, no. 3) and “formal adherence to the schism constitutes a grave offence against God and entails the excommunication established under Church law” (ibid., 5c; cf. Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts, Explanatory Note, 24 August 1996).

The Holy Father continues in his prayers to ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten those responsible for the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X so that they may reconsider the extremely grave decision they have taken.

From the Vatican, 13 May 2026

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Holy See Press Office Bulletin, 13 May 2026