SSPX means the Society of St. Pius X, a traditionalist Catholic priestly society founded in 1970 by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre in Switzerland. It’s known for strongly preferring the older Latin Mass and for being in a long- running, irregular relationship with the Vatican rather than being fully in communion like a normal diocesan Catholic group.

What it is

  • The name honors Pope St. Pius X, who is often associated with opposition to modernist theology.
  • The group formed in response to reforms from the Second Vatican Council, especially changes to the liturgy and some teachings on ecumenism and religious freedom.
  • It uses the traditional Latin Mass and rejects several post–Vatican II reforms.

Why people talk about it

  • The SSPX has long been controversial because the Catholic Church considers its status canonically irregular.
  • Recent reports say the Vatican declared members in schism and excommunicated after the group ordained bishops without papal approval.
  • Supporters often see it as defending tradition; critics see it as defying Church authority.

In plain English

If you see “SSPX” in a Catholic discussion, it usually means a traditionalist breakaway-leaning Catholic group centered on the old Latin liturgy and in conflict with parts of the modern Church structure.

TL;DR

SSPX stands for Society of St. Pius X: a traditionalist Catholic group that loves the old Latin Mass and has had a troubled, often disputed relationship with the Vatican.