business
Vatican excommunicates schismatic bishops and priests, and warns their followers
By Nicole Winfield, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio
· 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 Terrell Hills News
The Vatican's declaration of the Society of St. Pius X as being in schism has significant implications for the Catholic community in Terrell Hills and the broader San Antonio area. Local Catholics who have been attending SSPX Masses, which celebrate the traditional Latin Mass, will now face the harsh sanction of excommunication if they continue to adhere to the society. This move may lead to a reevaluation of their spiritual affiliations and potentially impact local parish dynamics. The Vatican's decision also underscores the ongoing tensions between traditionalist and modernizing factions within the Catholic Church, which may be reflected in local discussions and debates among Catholics in Terrell Hills. As the local Catholic community navigates this development, it will be important to watch how area parishes and diocesan leadership respond to the Vatican's declaration and its impact on local worship and community life.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Terrell Hills 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 affiliate) — San Antonio . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio ·
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 affiliate) — San Antonio and curated for Terrell Hills News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Nicole Winfield, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio. To learn more about how Terrell Hills News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from Terrell Hills News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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