The traditionalist Catholic group Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) has rejected the Vatican’s decision to excommunicate its members following the consecration of four new bishops without papal approval. The move, described by the Holy See as a "schismatic act," prompted Pope Leo XIV to appeal to the group to reverse its actions.

The SSPX, which opposes the reforms introduced by the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, conducted the consecrations independently, leading the Vatican to declare the act unauthorized and to impose automatic excommunications on the six bishops involved. Additionally, the Holy See warned that lay followers who formally align themselves with SSPX could also face excommunication.

Founded as a traditionalist society, the SSPX claims a global presence in more than 75 countries across six continents. The group asserts it has approximately 600,000 adherents and over 750 priests worldwide. It views the Vatican’s excommunication as unjust and invalid, challenging the authority of the Holy See on the matter.

The Vatican maintains that consecrating bishops without the pope's consent represents a serious breach of Church discipline and a direct challenge to papal authority. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between the traditionalist faction and the Roman Catholic hierarchy over liturgical practices and doctrinal interpretations stemming from Vatican II reforms.