The pontiff appealed to the traditionalist group to call off their planned episcopal consecrations — but their leaderʼs reply made it clear they would go ahead.

Pope Leo XIV has issued a letter to the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) asking it not to proceed with its planned July 1 consecrations without papal approval. But the society replied with its own letter the same day, making it clear that its plans had not changed.

In a letter published June 30, the eve of the episcopal consecrations in Écône, Switzerland, the pope issued a final appeal to the SSPX superior general, Father Davide Pagliarani, not to commit this “schismatic act.”

“In this spirit, and filled with Christian affection, I plead with you and ask you with all my heart: Please turn back!”

“I urge you to consider the spiritual good of the faithful carefully, because the schismatic act you are about to undertake would deprive them of the licit and, in some cases, even valid reception of the sacraments, which they love and seek for their sanctification,” Leo wrote in his letter.

The pontiff also warned the SSPX of the serious consequences of its planned episcopal consecrations, calling it “a sin of extreme gravity.”

“I pray for you, because to tear the seamless garment of Christ is a sin of extreme gravity,” Leo wrote. “May the Lord enlighten your consciences and awaken your hearts.”

The Vatican stated on May 13 that the consecrations would be a schismatic act, resulting in automatic excommunication for the consecrating bishops and those consecrated.

On June 16, Pope Leo warned the SSPX that its planned episcopal consecrations risked schism and said he and the Holy See were preparing a final appeal to the society.

On Tuesday afternoon, a few hours after publication of the pope’s letter, Pagliarani issued a reply on behalf of the SSPX. In the letter, he thanked Leo for his fatherly concern, but insisted that their planned consecration of four bishops without a papal mandate would not constitute an act of schism. He also urged Leo to reconsider the excommunications that would result from these consecrations.

“Far be it from us to separate ourselves from the Roman Church. We desire, on the contrary, to serve her by means that are extraordinary, as one would assist a mother in distress who requires particular help, even if such help is not understood by everyone,” Pagliarani wrote in his letter to Leo.

“A gesture of understanding on Your part, far from harming unity, could only manifest before the world and before all Christians Your concern for unity and Your goodness as a father.”

The SSPX exclusively celebrates the Traditional Latin Mass and has rejected certain teachings and reforms of the Second Vatican Council, particularly regarding religious freedom and the Church’s approach to other faiths.

This article was originally published by EWTN News English.