**A Future Pope Will ‘Welcome Us Back’, Says Priest from Excommunicated Catholic Sect**
In a recent sermon, a priest from the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), a traditionalist Catholic group that was excommunicated earlier this week, expressed optimism about the future relationship between the sect and the Roman Catholic Church. The priest, Georg Kopf, addressed worshippers in the northeastern Swiss town of Wil, suggesting that a future pope would eventually welcome the SSPX back into the fold.
The Society of St. Pius X, known for its ultra-conservative stance and adherence to pre-Vatican II traditions, was excommunicated after the ordination of four bishops without the approval of Pope Leo. This act, which occurred on Wednesday, was viewed by the Vatican as a serious breach of Church authority, leading to automatic excommunication for those involved. The SSPX has remained steadfast in its beliefs and has not shown remorse for the schism, arguing that the current pope has failed to address their concerns regarding the direction of the Church.
During his sermon, Kopf stated, “There will one day be another pope who opens the door and welcomes us back. Just like Pope Benedict.” He referenced the history of the SSPX, which was founded in 1970 by Marcel Lefebvre, who also faced excommunication after ordaining bishops without papal consent in the late 1980s. However, in 2009, Pope Benedict XVI lifted the excommunications in an effort to foster unity within the Church.
Kopf expressed a belief that the SSPX’s traditional values would eventually be recognized and reinstated within the Church. “I am convinced that there will be another pope like him who will give tradition its rightful place again. Of course, we’d like that to happen tomorrow,” he remarked, indicating a desire for reconciliation sooner rather than later.
The SSPX, which has a global following and is based in Switzerland, practices the Latin Mass and is known for its rejection of formal dialogue with non-Catholics. The group accuses the mainstream Catholic Church of deviating from what they consider the true faith, leading to their continued separation from the Vatican.
In response to the recent excommunication, Kopf emphasized that the actions taken by the SSPX were not intended to create a parallel church or to sever ties with Rome. He argued that the ordinations were conducted out of “love for the Church and the pope,” with the aim of ensuring the spiritual well-being of their followers.
The Vatican, however, has stated that dialogue was offered to the SSPX prior to the recent schism, and the ordination of bishops without Church approval was deemed a grave offense. The automatic nature of the excommunication underscores the seriousness with which the Vatican views such actions.
As the SSPX navigates its current status, the possibility of future reconciliation remains a topic of discussion among its members. Kopf’s remarks reflect a hope that the tides may turn with a future pope who may be more receptive to the traditionalist sentiments of the group.
The situation highlights the ongoing tensions within the Catholic Church regarding tradition, authority, and the interpretation of faith in the modern world. As the SSPX continues to assert its beliefs and practices, the question of its relationship with the Vatican remains open, with many looking to the future for potential shifts in Church dynamics.