The Vatican has issued a final appeal to the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X, while in Switzerland preparations are underway for a new break with Rome.
On one side is the Pope, urging them to stop. On the other are the Lefebvrists, who are determined to press ahead with the ordination of four new bishops without papal approval, a step the Holy See considers potentially schismatic.
In a letter addressed to the Fraternity, the Pontiff issued a direct and personal appeal, urging the traditionalists to return to full communion with the Catholic Church.
“Filled with Christian affection, I beg you and ask you with all my heart: turn back,” the Pope wrote, warning of the spiritual risk for the faithful and reminding them that an act of rupture would deprive many of the lawful reception of sacraments.
The Pope also reiterated the Vatican's readiness to continue dialogue and work towards reconciliation.
