Newly consecrated Society of St. Pius X Bishop Michael Goldade, an American, is seen kissing the ring of Bishop Alfonso de Galarreta during an SSPX liturgical celebration July 1, 2026, in Écône, Switzerland. The two bishops, along with with Bishop Bernard Fellay of SSPX and three other newly consecrated bishops were excommunicated by the Vatican July 2, as the consecration lacked the mandate of the pope and was decreed to be schismatic. (OSV News photo/CPP)
By Chinedum Treasure
French Catholics devoted to the Traditional Latin Mass but remaining loyal to the Vatican have reaffirmed their support for Pope Leo XIV following the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX)’s controversial consecration of four bishops without papal approval, a move that prompted the Vatican to declare the group in schism and excommunicate six SSPX bishops.
The crisis comes just months before Pope Leo XIV’s historic apostolic visit to France, scheduled for September 25 to 28, where hundreds of thousands of faithful are expected to participate in major liturgical celebrations.
Philippe Darantière, president of the Notre-Dame de Chrétienté association, said traditional Catholics in communion with Rome remain fully committed to supporting the Pope’s visit despite the tensions created by the SSPX split.
His association, which organizes the annual Pentecost pilgrimage from Paris to Chartres, has been entrusted with helping the Archdiocese of Paris coordinate logistics for the papal visit by supplying thousands of experienced volunteers.
According to Darantière, the Archdiocese requires about 10,000 volunteers to manage the events, including a youth prayer vigil at the Stade de France on September 25 and a massive open-air Mass at Place de la Concorde on September 26, expected to attract nearly 500,000 worshippers.
He explained that the organization’s expertise in managing large religious gatherings made it a natural partner for the preparations.
The Notre-Dame de Chrétienté pilgrimage has witnessed record participation in recent years, attracting more than 20,000 pilgrims in 2026, reflecting growing interest in the Traditional Latin Mass among younger Catholics.
Darantière also highlighted increasing collaboration between traditionalist Catholics and mainstream Catholic groups.
During this year’s Pentecost celebrations, pilgrims travelling to Chartres and thousands of young participants at the Paris diocesan “Frat” gathering joined together in simultaneous Eucharistic adoration, praying for one another as a sign of unity.
The chaplain of Notre-Dame de Chrétienté, Father Jean de Massia of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP), has also joined the team responsible for the spiritual preparation of the Pope’s youth vigil.
The FSSP was established for priests and seminarians devoted to the traditional Tridentine liturgy while remaining fully obedient to the Pope and in communion with the Catholic Church.
Darantière said many traditional Catholics across France are already making travel plans to welcome Pope Leo XIV, with priests receiving numerous requests to organize buses to Paris for the papal celebrations.
However, he admitted that the SSPX schism has caused deep sadness among Catholics striving to preserve traditional worship while maintaining loyalty to Rome.
He acknowledged that maintaining that balance can sometimes be difficult and expressed hope for stronger relations between traditionalist communities and French bishops, particularly regarding pastoral requests for traditional weddings, baptisms and other sacraments.
Despite the tensions, French Catholics attached to the traditional liturgy say they remain committed to Church unity and look forward to giving Pope Leo XIV a warm welcome during what is expected to be one of the largest Catholic gatherings in France in recent years.
Tags: Pope Leo XIV, France, SSPX, Catholic Church, Traditional Latin Mass
