business
Vatican excommunicates schismatic bishops and priests, and warns their followers
By Nicole Winfield, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News
· July 2, 2026
· 6 min read
The Vatican responded aggressively Thursday to a traditionalist group that consecrated bishops without the pope’s consent, declaring the Society of St. Pius X had formally broken with the Catholic Church. It also excommunicated its bishops and priests, and warned its faithful that they too face t...
Key takeaway While a fringe movement on the Catholic right, the SSPX has been a thorn in the Vatican's side for five decades because it claims to be even more Catholic than the Holy See.
Why this matters in Alamo Heights News
The Vatican's declaration of the Society of St. Pius X as being in schism may have implications for Alamo Heights residents who attend traditional Latin Masses in the San Antonio area. Some local Catholics may be unaware that certain sacraments they receive, such as confession and marriage, could be invalidated by the Vatican's decree. This could lead to confusion and concern among parishioners who value the traditional rites and practices of the Catholic Church. As the local Catholic community navigates this development, it will be important to watch how area churches and clergy respond to the Vatican's sanctions, and whether they will continue to provide support to those who adhere to the SSPX's traditionalist views. The Vatican's move may also spark renewed discussions about the role of traditionalism in the Catholic Church, and how it intersects with the modernizing reforms that have taken place in recent decades.
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 2, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Vatican responded aggressively Thursday to a traditionalist group that consecrated bishops without the pope’s consent, declaring the Society of St. Pius X had formally broken with the Catholic Church. It also excommunicated its bishops and priests, and warned its faithful that they too face t...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 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, 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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