Archdiocese of Buenos Aires recognizes SSPX group
April 13, 2015
Cardinal Mario Poli of Buenos Aires, Argentina has recognized a branch of the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) as an “association of diocesan right,” marking the first time that the breakaway traditionalist group has been officially recognized by a Catholic diocese.
At the request of Cardinal Poli--who succeeded Pope Francis as Archbishop of Buenos Aires—the Argentine government has recognized the SSPX as “a juridical person within the apostolic Roman Catholic Church.” That recognition entitles the SSPX to the help of the country’s government, which is pledged to support the Catholic Church.
By recognizing the SSPX as a Catholic association, under the provisions of the Code of Canon Law, Cardinal Poli has certified that the members of the SSPX are Catholics. The canonical status of the group remains problematical, since bishops and priests of the SSPX are not authorized by the Church to administer the sacraments. But the gesture by Cardinal Poli—particularly significant because it took place in the Pope’s home diocese-- attests to the determination of Church leaders to put an end to the split.
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