The Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X (FSSPX) issued an official statement explaining its position following the episcopal consecrations celebrated at the seminary in Écône (Switzerland), during which four new bishops were ordained without a pontifical mandate.
In the statement, the Fraternity acknowledges that the consecrations took place without the authorization of Pope Leo XIV and affirms that the decision was made in response to “exceptional circumstances.” It also regrets that its Superior General, Father Davide Pagliarani, was unable to meet personally with the Pontiff to present the reasons which, in the FSSPX’s view, made the ceremony necessary.
The statement further maintains that the incorporation of the four new bishops ensures the continuity of the Fraternity’s mission and the preservation of “the sacred heritage of Tradition.” The note concludes with an act of thanksgiving to God and the Virgin Mary for the episcopal consecrations celebrated in Écône.
Below, we reproduce in full the communiqué issued by the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X.
On July 1, 2026, the feast of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ, at the Saint Pius X Seminary in Écône (Switzerland), in the presence of Father Davide Pagliarani, Superior General of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X, and a very large gathering of priests, religious, nuns, and faithful, His Excellency Bishop Alfonso de Galarreta, assisted by His Excellency Bishop Bernard Fellay, conferred episcopal consecration on Bishop Pascal Schreiber, Bishop Michael Goldade, Bishop Michel Poinsinet de Sivry, and Bishop Marc Hanappier, to serve as auxiliary bishops of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X, without jurisdiction.
The Fraternity sincerely regrets that, due to the exceptional circumstances, these consecrations had to be conferred without the authorization of the Holy Father. It particularly regrets that the Superior General of the Fraternity was unable to meet personally with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to present to him in a filial manner the serious reasons that made this ceremony necessary.
Nevertheless, the deep joy inspired by these episcopal consecrations cannot be overshadowed. By ensuring the means necessary for the preservation of the sacred heritage of Tradition, the gift of these four new bishops truly constitutes a very great grace for the Fraternity itself and for the entire Church.
The Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X rejoices deeply at this and offers fervent thanksgiving to God, especially thanking the Blessed Virgin Mary for having allowed this transmission of the fullness of the priesthood, for the greater glory of God, the honor of the Holy Church, and the salvation of souls.
Écône, July 1, 2026