Archbishop writes open Letter regarding SSPX

July 15, 2026

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

Because the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X (SSPX) sadly proceeded with episcopal Ordinations of four bishops on July 1, 2026, without the required Papal Mandate, the Holy See has subsequently decreed, in accord with Church law, that the bishops involved have incurred automatic excommunication and carried out a schismatic act.

On July 2, 2026, a Decree of the Holy See, issued through the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (together with an explanatory note) made clear that because of the SSPX's schismatic act, as of July 2, 2026 all celebrations of the Sacraments of Penance and Matrimony by the SSPX  clerics are invalid, and the administration of all the other sacraments is illicit. As Archbishop, and motivated by the care for souls, I therefore instruct the Catholic faithful of the Archdiocese of Las Vegas to avoid participating in the activities of the SSPX. I encourage any local people who have been attached to the SSPX and who desire the spiritual nourishment of the Church and the Extraordinary Form of the Mass to become active with the Mass that is offered at the Shrine of the Most Holy Redeemer in Las Vegas where this is currently possible.

In a spirit of conciliation, the Holy See has outlined the procedure necessary for SSPX priests and lay faithful who find themselves in schism to return to full communion with the Catholic Church. Although lay faithful who formally adhere to the SSPX are considered schismatic and excommunicated, this does not apply to lay faithful "who do not reject the Magisterium of the authority of the Roman Pontiff" and had engaged with the SSPX for solely liturgical or spiritual reasons. Such persons must simply resolve not to continue to participate in future SSPX Masses, sacramentals, or pastoral ministries. Those faithful who find themselves in a situation of schism and wish to resolve their status with the Church are instructed to contact their Archdiocesan parish’s Pastor or Administrator, who will be given instructions on how to do this. 

To my brother priests and deacons in the SSPX, please know of my prayers for you and my heartfelt desire for your return to full communion with the Church. If you reside in the Archdiocese of Las Vegas, I ask you to contact my Vicar General or Judicial Vicar to assist you in this endeavor. 

I invite all the faithful to join me in prayer for the end of all division and schism and for the unity of the Church, so that she may better fulfill the divine commission to make disciples of all nations.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend George Leo Thomas, Ph.D. 
Archbishop of Las Vegas

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