business
What the Vatican's SSPX schism means for catholics in West Texas
By Manny Diaz at Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar)
· July 7, 2026
· 1 min read
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — The ordination of four new bishops by the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) without papal approval has prompted a response from the Diocese of San Angelo, with Bishop Michael J Sis urging Catholics to remain in full communion with Pope Leo XIV and the Roman...
Key takeaway Pius X (SSPX) without papal approval has prompted a response from the Diocese of San Angelo, with Bishop Michael J Sis urging Catholics to remain in full communion with Pope Leo XIV and the Roman Catholic Church.
Why this matters in The Odessa
The Vatican's SSPX schism has significant implications for Catholics in West Texas, particularly in the Odessa area. As the Diocese of San Angelo's statement suggests, local Catholics may be influenced by the SSPX's actions, potentially leading to divisions within the community. The fact that Bishop Michael J Sis felt compelled to urge Catholics to remain in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church indicates that the SSPX's presence is being felt in the region. In Ector County, where Odessa is located, the Catholic community is a vital part of the social fabric, with many residents actively participating in church life. The SSPX schism may lead to difficult choices for some Catholics in Odessa, who may be torn between their loyalty to the Pope and their attraction to the SSPX's traditionalist ideology. The situation bears watching, as it may impact the cohesion and unity of the local Catholic community.
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 7, 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? SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — The ordination of four new bishops by the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) without papal approval has prompted a response from the Diocese of San Angelo, with Bishop Michael J Sis urging Catholics to remain in full communion with Pope Leo XIV and the Roman...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 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 Manny Diaz 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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