business
Defying Pope Leo XIV and risking schism, traditionalists go ahead with Latin Mass consecrations
By Nicole Winfield And Jamey Keaten, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News
· July 1, 2026
· 5 min read
A breakaway group of traditionalist Catholics on Wednesday directly defied Pope Leo XIV by celebrating an ancient Latin Mass to consecrate four bishops without his consent, dismissing the threat of schism and excommunication and justifying their actions as a “sacred duty” to defend the Catholic f...
Key takeaway “Therefore before God we consider it a sacred duty towards Holy Church and towards souls to proceed with the consecration of bishops who are entirely faithful to her holy tradition and to her constant magisterium,” the priest said.
Why this matters in Alamo Heights News
The defiance of Pope Leo XIV by the traditionalist Catholics has significant implications for the Catholic community in Alamo Heights . The area is home to a sizable Catholic population, and the controversy surrounding the Latin Mass consecrations may spark debate and discussion among local parishioners. Some may sympathize with the traditionalists' desire to preserve the ancient liturgy, while others may be concerned about the potential for schism and the consequences of disobeying the Pope. As the news of the consecrations spreads, local Catholic leaders may face questions and scrutiny from their congregations, and it will be interesting to see how they navigate this complex issue. The fact that the ceremony was livestreamed on YouTube may also contribute to a wider discussion among Catholics in Alamo Heights, who can now access and engage with the traditionalist movement's message and ideology.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Alamo Heights News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A breakaway group of traditionalist Catholics on Wednesday directly defied Pope Leo XIV by celebrating an ancient Latin Mass to consecrate four bishops without his consent, dismissing the threat of schism and excommunication and justifying their actions as a “sacred duty” to defend the Catholic f...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Nicole Winfield And Jamey Keaten, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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