MANILA, Philippines — The Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), which was excommunicated by the Vatican in what was described as the Catholic Church’s “biggest schism in 156 years” wrote to Pope Leo XIV defending their role in the church late on Friday
According to the letter written by Don Davide Pagliarani the SSPX’s superior general, the Switzerland-based Catholic society got the information regarding its excommunication and which was now a “matter of public knowledge.”
The letter was posted on the Facebook page of Our Lady of Victories Church in New Manila, Quezon City.
“It appears to us that this decision once more brings to light the profoundly tragic context in which the universal Church finds herself. What the Society of Saint Pius X has done, and will continue to do, is nothing other than an extraordinary initiative for the salvation of souls, amidst the doctrinal and moral confusion into which the Church is plunged. We in no way claim to substitute ourselves for the Church, and we have no ambition other than to remain faithful to her,” the letter read.
“In conscience, we did not believe we could evade the moral duty we owe to souls, as we have already explained, both privately and publicly, to Your Holiness,” it added.
The society said it had asked “to be instructed and confirmed in the faith of all time” but were instead dismissed as “schismatic.”
“Despite the sanctions levelled against us, the Society of Saint Pius X sincerely renews the promise it has already expressed to Your Holiness,” it wrote.
