Vatican confirms receipt of SSPX response; calls it “a step forward and more encouraging”

Today the Pontifical Commission “Ecclesia Dei,” a key component of the on-going discussions between the Vatican and the Society of St. Pius X, released this brief statement:

On 17 April, as requested during the 16 March meeting held at the offices of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Commission received the response of Bishop Bernard Fellay, superior general of the Society of St. Pius X. The text of the response will be examined by the dicastery then submitted to the Holy Father for his judgement.

Father Federico Lombardi, SJ, head of the Vatican Press Office, told reporters that SSPX superior Bishop Bernard Fellay has asked the Vatican for certain changes to the text of the Doctrinal Preamble, which was presented to the SSPX last fall by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Lombardi said the requested changes “must be examined” and then approved by Pope Benedict XVI.

From CNS’ report on Lombardi’s remarks:

The society’s response will be examined quickly and given to pope, probably within “a few weeks,” he said.

“We cannot consider the matter concluded,” Father Lombardi said, but “we can say it is a step forward and more encouraging” than Bishop Fellay’s previous response.

 


If you value the news and views Catholic World Report provides, please consider donating to support our efforts. Your contribution will help us continue to make CWR available to all readers worldwide for free, without a subscription. Thank you for your generosity!

Click here for more information on donating to CWR. Click here to sign up for our newsletter.


About Catherine Harmon 578 Articles
Catherine Harmon works in the marketing department for Ignatius Press.