In a bold move aimed at maintaining doctrinal integrity, the Vatican has declared the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) in schism and extended excommunications to its bishops, priests, and potentially thousands of followers. This decision comes after the SSPX consecrated four new bishops without the pope's consent, defying the Catholic Church's authority during a ritual-filled ceremony in Econe, Switzerland. The Vatican considers the SSPX, which opposes modernizing reforms and celebrates the ancient Latin Mass, to be in schism due to their intentional rupture with the Church. The harsh sanctions, including invalidating sacraments administered by SSPX priests, are a significant reversal of concessions granted to the group in recent years as part of the Vatican's outreach efforts. This decisive action could mark a turning point in the long-standing conflict between the Holy See and the traditionalist group, founded by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre in 1970 in opposition to the Second Vatican Council. The Vatican's doctrine chief, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, had met with SSPX superior, Rev. Davide Pagliarani, in February, proposing dialogue. However, the SSPX's refusal to meet with Pope Leo XIV and their decision to proceed with the consecrations have led to this escalated response from the Vatican.