Lefebvrian group appeals excommunication without repentance

The Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) has filed an administrative appeal against the Vatican's excommunication decree, still refusing to show repentance for the illicit ordination of four bishops on July 1. The group claims the appeal automatically suspends the decree's execution, while canon law experts note the excommunication itself was automatic (latae sententiae) and not affected by the appeal. Source: abc.es

What happened

On July 14, the SSPX announced it had submitted a 'preliminary appeal' to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, citing canon law provisions. The ordinations, held in Écône, Switzerland, were deemed a schismatic act by the Vatican, which excommunicated the four new bishops, the consecrator Alfonso de Galarreta, and Bishop Bernard Fellay. Source: infobae

The reaction

The SSPX insists the appeal is an exercise of its rights, but has not expressed regret. Superior General Davide Pagliarani previously called the excommunications 'unjust and invalid.' The group stated it will appeal directly to Pope Leo XIV if the Dicastery does not revoke the decree. Source: abc.es, infobae

Key points

• The SSPX has 30 days to receive a response from the Dicastery; if none, it can appeal to the Pope. Source: abc.es
• The excommunication applies not only to the bishops but also to priests and laity who adhere to the schismatic act. Source: abc.es
• The SSPX was founded in 1970 by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre in reaction to Vatican II. It has over 1,500 members and about 500,000 faithful worldwide. Source: infobae