The SSPX is an international priestly fraternity founded in 1970 by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, now at the centre of Vatican tensions over consecrations.
The Society of Saint Pius X plans to ordain four bishops in Ecône, defying the Vatican. The Vatican warns this is a schismatic act and could lead to automatic excommunication. Pope Leo XIV has urged the group to reconsider, stressing the spiritual harm of rupture within the Church.
The Vatican has appointed Italian economist Alessandra Smerilli as head of the office for migrants, environment and development, succeeding Cardinal Michael Czerny. Cardinal Fabio Baggio is named pro-prefect alongside her. The move follows Pope Francis’ push to elevate women in the Holy See’s leadership, while traditionalists push back on further reforms.