An Italian bishop has warned that Catholics who go to Mass at chapels staffed by the traditionalist Society of St Pius X incur excommunication.
Bishop Marcello Semeraro of Albano diocese said SSPX bishops and priests are suspended from priestly ministry.
When the faithful receive the sacraments from them, “they break communion with the Catholic Church”.
The faithful who incur excommunication may be received back into the Church only after a penitential process, the bishop said.
Bishop Semeraro said he is only reiterating the policy of his predecessor in Albano.
While Pope Benedict XVI lifted the excommunication of SSPX bishops, the suspension from priestly ministry remains in force, Bishop Semeraro said.
His diocese, just outside Rome, encompasses the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo.
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