Pope embraces schism with Platte City address

Pope Benedict XVI’s recent decision to ex-excommunicate four priests has a significant connection to Kansas City. The priests belong to the Society of Pius X, whose U.S. headquarters is in Platte City.

A French archbishop named Marcel Lefebvre founded the society in 1970 as a response to the reforms adopted during the Second Vatican Council. Lefebvre offered Mass in Latin against the orders of Rome. In 1988, he consecrated four priests as bishops, which led to his excommunication. A defiant Lefebvre said in response the Vatican was filled with anti-Christs who were “in the process of destroying the church.” Lefebvrists were especially critical of the church’s efforts to find common ground with other religions, believing they lent credibility to “false” worship.

The society maintained contact with Rome, however. Rapprochement intensified when a traditionalist replaced John Paul II.

Benedict’s decision has stirred controversy in no small part because one of the prelates is a Holocaust denier.