The Vatican issued a decree on Wednesday excommunicating followers and bishops of the conservative Catholic group, the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), for consecrating new bishops against Pope Leo XIV's directives. Approximately 600,000 worshippers worldwide are affected by this decision. Established in 1970 as a response to modernizing reforms within the Roman Catholic Church, the SSPX rejects changes made to Mass rituals and opposes dialogue with other Christian denominations and faiths. The Vatican's action signifies a significant rift between the traditionalist group and the mainstream Roman Catholic Church, as the excommunication is one of the harshest penalties that can be imposed by the Church, effectively excluding the offender from Catholic life. SSPX members are now faced with a choice: remain loyal to their beliefs or leave the schismatic group to rejoin the Catholic Church.