business
Pope issues plea to breakaway traditionalist group to back off bishop consecrations
By NICOLE WINFIELD, Associated Press at Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar)
· June 30, 2026
· 1 min read
ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday issued a plea to a breakaway group of traditionalist Catholics to call off its plan to consecrate new bishops without his consent, describing the move as a schismatic act and a “sin of extreme gravity.” “I plead with you and ask you with all my heart: please [...]
Key takeaway ” “I plead with you and ask you with all my heart: please [...
Why this matters in The Odessa
The Pope's appeal to the breakaway traditionalist group has implications for the local Catholic community in Odessa , where some parishioners may have ties to traditionalist movements. The consecration of bishops without the Pope's consent could lead to a rift in the local church, potentially affecting the unity of Catholic congregations in Ector County. Local Catholics may be watching this development closely, wondering how it might impact their own religious practices and relationships with the broader Catholic community. The Permian Basin's Catholic population, which includes Odessa and Midland, may feel the effects of this schism, particularly if local priests or bishops are drawn into the controversy. As the situation unfolds, Odessa's Catholic community will likely be looking to local church leaders for guidance and reassurance.
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: June 30, 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? ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday issued a plea to a breakaway group of traditionalist Catholics to call off its plan to consecrate new bishops without his consent, describing the move as a schismatic act and a “sin of extreme gravity.” “I plead with you and ask you with all my heart: please [...]
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 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 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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