A Notice to the Faithful regarding the Society of Saint Pius X from The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Japan

Peace be with you.

On July 1, 2026, the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) ordained four priests as bishops without papal approval and against the explicit will of Pope Leo XIV.

On July 2, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith publicly announced that this episcopal ordination was a grave act that rejected communion with the Pope and deeply wounded the unity of the Church.

The announcement declared that the ordaining bishop, the co-consecrator bishops, and the four newly ordained were excommunicated not afterwards, but under canon law were already in a state of excommunication at the time of the act.

Some people may feel anxiety or confusion upon hearing this news. In particular, some who have attended SSPX liturgies or have received sacraments from its priests may be worried about what effect this has on them.

The Church does not want to frighten anyone or to judge everyone indiscriminately.

Therefore, I want to share accurate facts while taking into account individual circumstances so that we might walk together the path of unity within the Church.

The current situation

In the Catholic Church, bishops serve as successors to the apostles in communion with the Pope and other bishops.

Therefore, ordaining a bishop without papal approval and against his explicit will is not merely a violation of a procedure. It is a grave act that effectively refuses to associate with the Pope and undermines the very unity of the Church.

The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith clarified that clergy belonging to the Society of Saint Pius X are in schism and do not have the legal authority to perform sacred services within the Catholic Church.

It further explained that the administration of sacraments by SSPX clergy is illicit, and that, in particular, the Sacrament of Penance administered by the society’s priests and marriages witnessed by them are invalid.

Therefore, we ask all Catholics to refrain in the future from participating in liturgies and activities conducted by the SSPX.

Simply having attended an SSPX Mass does not lead to excommunication

Catholics who have attended Mass celebrated by an SSPX priest are not automatically excommunicated because of that.

Regarding the responsibility of the faithful, it is necessary to determine whether they have formally accepted the SSPX doctrinal position with sufficient awareness and free will and have refused the authority of the Pope or the Church’s magisterium.

Those who attended SSPX liturgies out of attachment to traditional forms or for spiritual reasons but do not reject the authority of the Pope or the teachings of the Catholic Church are not uniformly liable to be judged as apostates.

Please do not immediately label yourself or anyone around you as “apostate” or “excommunicated.” Do not rely solely on uncertain information or personal judgment; consult the clergy of the diocese or the bishop’s office.

About sacraments received in the past

If in the past you received the Sacrament of Penance from a priest of the SSPX or have entered into marriage in the presence of a priest of that society, please do not judge for yourself that “all the sacraments I received were invalid.”

Regarding the Sacrament of Penance, at that time, special authority to administer the sacrament was sometimes granted by the Pope to priests of the SSPX. Regarding Matrimony as well, there were cases where the necessary authority to officiate was individually delegated by the local diocesan authority.

So, regarding sacraments received in the past, it is necessary to individually verify the timing and specific circumstances. Therefore, it is not possible to judge their validity or invalidity across the board.

If you have concerns about the Sacrament of Penance, please consult your parish priest or the person designated by the diocese. For marriage matters, please consult the responsible office of the diocese or the diocesan tribunal. The content of your consultation will be handled with care.

The way back to full communion remains open

The doors of the Church are open to those who wish to leave the Society of Saint Pius X and walk in full communion with the Catholic Church.

The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith has presented specific procedures for priests and laity who wish to return to full communion.

A decision to leave SSPX may entail various hardships and conflicts involving relationships, family, community, and the faith life that has been cherished until now. The Church does not blame such people, but rather listens to their voices with the desire to welcome them with respect, patience, and warmth.

Those who wish to return to full communion should feel free to consult their local diocese or their parish priest.

No blaming

Intense debates and criticisms are expected on the internet and social media regarding this issue.

However, insulting others, judging others’ faith, or attacking individuals is not a path to restoring Church unity.

While clarifying the Church’s teachings and discipline, it is also necessary to be fully considerate of the burdens of those troubled by their relationship with the SSPX or those who have lived their faith there for a long time.

Avoid spreading uncertain information or criticizing without verifying the individual’s circumstances, and listen to official Church information.

Conclusion—In the communion of the Church

It is the unity of the Church in faith and love entrusted by Christ to His disciples, and not just systems or rules, that the Church seeks to protect.

The aim of the Church is not to exclude anyone. It is about preserving communion in truth and opening the way for those who are separated to return to perfect fellowship once again.

If you have anxieties or questions, do not worry alone. The Church will listen to your voice, reflect with you, and walk with you.

Rather than blaming one another, let us support one another in prayer and cherish the unity of Christ’s Church in communion with the Pope and the bishops.

May God’s abundant blessings and peace be upon you.