Pope Francis assured this Tuesday, in informal remarks at Castel Gandolfo, that he is “considering” issuing a new appeal to the Priestly Fraternity of St. Pius X ahead of the ordinations scheduled for July 1. Leo XIV made clear that the only step he contemplates is that public appeal—and not a reception or formal negotiation—recalling that the decision rests with the Fraternity and that the Church “must move forward.”
Asked by journalists about the upcoming priestly ordinations of the FSSPX, the Pontiff stated:
«I am considering making another appeal and saying “do not do this, let us try to live the communion of the Church.” But it is their choice. We must realize what it means for them and for the Church. Certainly, division among Christians is a painful point. However, they refuse to accept some fundamental elements of the Church, beginning with several points of the Second Vatican Council. If they make that decision, I am sorry. But we must move forward».
The Pontiff’s words suggest that the only step he currently contemplates is a new public appeal to the Fraternity, and not a reception or formal channel of negotiation with its leaders. By stressing that “it is their choice” and that the Church “must move forward,” Leo XIV indicates he does not foresee altering course or arranging a meeting on the occasion of the ordinations.
Supporting this reading is the fact that the Fraternity has repeatedly requested an audience without being received, confirming that the lack of a papal meeting is not due to any absence of initiative on the part of the FSSPX, but rather a decision by Rome. In the face of these constant requests, the Pope’s words are limited to anticipating a possible public appeal, without opening any channel of reception beyond Tucho Fernández, who was designated by Leo XIV to receive Father Davide Pagliarani, superior of the FSSPX.
The Pope framed the issue within the division among Christians—“a painful point”—and reiterated Rome’s fundamental objections to the FSSPX, in particular its refusal to accept “some fundamental elements of the Church,” including “several points of the Second Vatican Council.”