By KiddieDaily Editors · Jul 2, 2026 · 2 min read · Ages 8–10 · 4 sources

Vatican excommunicates followers of global Catholic sect

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Image source, EPAByCatherine WyattBBC religious affairsPublished2 July 2026, 16:44 BSTUpdated 16 minutes agoThe Vatican has excommunicated followers of a conservative Catholic splinter sect, the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), a day after it consecrated four new bishops in Geneva against Pope Leo XIV's direct instruction.

In a decree, it said the Society's total of six bishops were excommunicated - and, in a highly unusual move, it added that any lay members who "formally adhere" to the group "are to be considered schismatic and excommunicated". But those who left the SSPX would be welcomed back "with sincere affection". The Vatican later clarified that not all members would be excommunicated automatically, but those who "habitually participate" in SSPX celebrations and "formally share its doctrinal positions" would be.

Controversial bishops ordained as Pope warns of 'schism' in Catholic Church Published1 day agoWho is Robert Prevost, the new Pope Leo XIV? Published9 May 2025The SSPX was founded in 1970 in opposition to the modernising reforms made by the Roman Catholic Church in the 1960s, at what was known as the Second Vatican Council. The Society is thought to number around 600,000 worshippers globally.

In response to the Vatican's decree, Rita Reid, an SSPX worshipper from Jersey in the Channel Islands, said: "It actually makes me feel quite strong. "Before the consecrations yesterday I said to my husband, 'Do you know what? Even if they excommunicate us, go ahead, bring it on, it's not going to make one bit of difference.'"

How 📻 NPR Covers It

Newly consecrated Bishops, from left, Marc Hanappier, Michel Poinsinet de Sivry, Michael Goldade and Pascal Schreiber wearing their miters and holding their pastoral staffs, stand at the end of their consecration ceremony in a tent set up outside the Society of St. Pius X seminary in Econe, Switzerland, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Baz Ratner/AP hide caption VATICAN CITY — The Vatican responded aggressively Thursday to a traditionalist society that consecrated bishops without the pope's consent, declaring the Society of St.

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