>A few hours ago, the latest instalment in the SSPX Episcopal Consecration soap opera dropped when the SSPX published the response of the Superior General, Fr. Davide Pagliarani, to “Cardinal” Victor Manuel Fernandez.>In early February 2026, tensions between Rome and the SSPX intensified when the Society announced its intention to proceed with episcopal consecrations on 1 July 2026 without pontifical mandate, invoking a state of necessity to ensure the continuation of its apostolate. The Holy See responded swiftly. Through the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith under Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, and with the approval of “Pope” Leo XIV, Rome warned that such consecrations would constitute a decisive rupture of ecclesial communion and carry grave canonical consequences. At the same time, the Vatican offered a renewed doctrinal dialogue aimed at clarifying the “minimum requirements for full communion,” particularly regarding adherence to the Second Vatican Council and the post-conciliar Magisterium, on condition that the planned consecrations be suspended. It is to this proposal that Father Davide Pagliarani, Superior General of the Society, responds in his letter of 18 February 2026.
Originally published in Radical Fidelity. Read original article