Nigeria’s Enugu Diocese Dissociates from Society of Saint Pius X, Urges Faithful to Remain United with Pope

In brief

Bishop Callistus Chukwuma Valentine Onaga has declared that the Catholic Diocese of Enugu in Nigeria dissociates itself from the activities of the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX). In a pastoral letter issued Wednesday, September 9, the bishop told the faithful to refrain from participating in SSPX celebrations and to remain united with Pope Leo XIV.

The bishop noted that the SSPX maintains a presence in Enugu at St. Michael’s Priory on Shipeolu Street. He stated that the group is not in full communion with the Catholic Church. This follows a July decree from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, which issued an excommunication after the SSPX performed the consecration of four bishops in Switzerland without papal approval. The Vatican described those consecrations as schismatic acts with serious canonical consequences for members and those who formally adhere to the group.