Fr. Brian Harrison: Can We Realistically Hope for SSPX Reconciliation?

Prominent among recent comments on the current impasse between the SSPX and the Vatican over the Society’s planned episcopal consecrations have been those of Bishop Athanasius Schneider. His intervention here was rightly described by Eric Sammons in a recent “Crisis” podcast as coming from the heart of a true shepherd. The eloquence and sense of urgency in his words reveal a deep and charitable concern for the souls of the multitude of Christ’s flock affected by this new and perilous standoff.

His Excellency sums up his proposal for resolving this crisis in the following words: “The Holy See should bring the SSPX in, offering at least a minimum degree of Church integration, and then continue the doctrinal dialogue.” He concludes with a brief “Fraternal Appeal” to Pope Leo XIV that respectfully pleads with the Holy Father to seize this opportunity to be a true ‘bridge-builder’ (pontifex) by granting a papal mandate for the episcopal ordinations. That, in Bishop Schneider’s view, will be the first essential step in “bring[ing] the SSPX in”. …