Rome, 30 June (LaPresse) – Appeal by Pope Leo XIV to the Lefebvrians. On the eve of the episcopal ordinations that the Priestly Fraternity of St Pius X is due to hold tomorrow in Ecône, Switzerland, the Pontiff wrote a letter, dated 29 June, to the Superior General, Fr Davide Pagliarani, asking him to halt the proceedings and thus avoid a schism: “With a fatherly heart, I wish to address you and, through you, the bishops, priests, seminarians and faithful associated with the Priestly Fraternity of St Pius X, mindful of the responsibility which the Lord has entrusted to me as Successor of the Apostle Peter,” writes the Pope. The Church recognises the attachment to liturgical life, the commitment to priestly formation, the apostolic zeal and the desire for fidelity to Tradition which characterise many individuals and communities linked to this Fraternity. This has motivated the attitude of attention and benevolence which my Predecessors have consistently shown towards you. In this spirit, and filled with Christian affection, I implore and ask you with all my heart: turn back! I urge you to consider carefully the spiritual good of the faithful, for the schismatic act you would commit would deprive them of the lawful – and in some cases even valid – reception of the Sacraments which they love and seek for their own sanctification. The Church is open to a path of dialogue and understanding which the Holy Spirit can make possible and fruitful. I pray for you, for tearing the seamless robe of Christ is a sin of the utmost gravity. May the Lord enlighten your consciences and awaken your hearts. By the authority received from Christ, with a sorrowful heart yet still full of hope, I feel duty-bound to ask you to desist from your intention, and I entrust these intentions to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Good Counsel.”
Pope to Lefebvrians: “Retract your actions; say no to schism”
Rome, 30 June (LaPresse) – Appeal by Pope Leo XIV to the Lefebvrians. On the eve of the episcopal ordinations that the Priestly Fraternity of St Pius X is due to hold tomorrow in Ecône, Switzerland, the Pontiff wrote a letter, dated 29 June, to the Superior General, Fr Davide Pagliarani, asking him to halt the proceedings and thus avoid a schism: “With a fatherly heart, I wish to address you and, through you, the bishops, priests, seminarians and faithful associated with the Priestly Fraternity of St Pius X, mindful of the responsibility which the Lord has entrusted to me as Successor of the Apostle Peter,” writes the Pope. The Church recognises the attachment to liturgical life, the commitment to priestly formation, the apostolic zeal and the desire for fidelity to Tradition which characterise many individuals and communities linked to this Fraternity. This has motivated the attitude of attention and benevolence which my Predecessors have consistently shown towards you. In this spirit, and filled with Christian affection, I implore and ask you with all my heart: turn back! I urge you to consider carefully the spiritual good of the faithful, for the schismatic act you would commit would deprive them of the lawful – and in some cases even valid – reception of the Sacraments which they love and seek for their own sanctification. The Church is open to a path of dialogue and understanding which the Holy Spirit can make possible and fruitful. I pray for you, for tearing the seamless robe of Christ is a sin of the utmost gravity. May the Lord enlighten your consciences and awaken your hearts. By the authority received from Christ, with a sorrowful heart yet still full of hope, I feel duty-bound to ask you to desist from your intention, and I entrust these intentions to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Good Counsel.”
