business
Defying Pope Leo XIV and risking schism, traditionalists go ahead with Latin Mass consecrations
By JAMEY KEATEN and NICOLE WINFIELD, Associated Press at Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar)
· July 1, 2026
· 1 min read
ECONE, Switzerland (AP) — A breakaway group of traditionalist Catholics on Wednesday directly defied Pope Leo XIV by celebrating an ancient Latin Mass to consecrate four bishops without his consent, dismissing the threat of schism and excommunication and justifying their actions as a “sacred duty...
Key takeaway ECONE, Switzerland (AP) — A breakaway group of traditionalist Catholics on Wednesday directly defied Pope Leo XIV by celebrating an ancient Latin Mass to consecrate four bishops without his consent, dismissing the threat of schism and excommunication and justifying their actions as a “sacred duty” to defend the Catholic faith.
Why this matters in The Odessa
The actions of this breakaway group of traditionalist Catholics may seem distant, given that they took place in Switzerland, but their decision to defy the Pope has implications for local Catholic communities in Odessa . The Permian Basin is home to a significant Catholic population, and the potential for schism within the Church could lead to divisions among local parishioners. As the situation unfolds, it will be worth watching how local Catholic leaders and churches in Odessa respond to this challenge to the Pope's authority. The Latin Mass has a dedicated following in some parts of the country, and it is possible that some local Catholics may be sympathetic to the traditionalist cause, potentially leading to tensions within the local Church community. The Ector County Catholic community may soon find itself grappling with the consequences of this rift, making it a story worth continued attention.
About this story
Original reporting by Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ECONE, Switzerland (AP) — A breakaway group of traditionalist Catholics on Wednesday directly defied Pope Leo XIV by celebrating an ancient Latin Mass to consecrate four bishops without his consent, dismissing the threat of schism and excommunication and justifying their actions as a “sacred duty...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by JAMEY KEATEN and NICOLE WINFIELD, Associated Press at Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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