Decision on SSPX reconciliation not expected until mid-July

While it seems like every week brings heightened anticipation that this is the week a resolution to the on-going discussions between the Vatican and the Society of St. Pius X will be announced, it now seems that the final response from the SSPX to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s doctrinal preamble—and any movement toward or away from reconciliation between the Holy See and the traditionalist group—will not come until mid-July at the very earliest.

Jean-Marie Guenois reports in the newspaper Le Figaro (original French report here) that Bishop Bernard Fellay, superior general of the SSPX, was presented with a new document for his consideration during his meeting with the CDF last week. Fellay will discuss the document—and a future course of action—with other SSPX leaders during a meeting in Écône, Switzerland July 7-14. It is expected that he will provide the Vatican with an answer following that meeting.

From Rorate Caeli’s translation of the French report:

Contrary to certain rumors, this meeting will not see the calling into question of Bp. Fellay from his position of Superior: he is in the middle of a twelve-year term. But capital decisions will certainly be taken: to continue negotiations? To suspend them? To discontinue them? Or to continue [reaching out to] this outstretched hand of Benedict XVI, who wishes to see the disciples of Abp. Marcel Lefebvre reintegrate into the Catholic Church? In expectation, as seen from Rome, the ball is on the Lefebvrists’s field. And they are divided on the subject.

Previous posts on the SSPX/CDF dialogue:

SSPX: Vatican II and Novus Ordo still pose “doctrinal difficulties” (June 14, 2012)

Vatican: SSPX has been offered a Personal Prelature (June 14, 2012)

U.S. District Superior of SSPX comments on recent news, document leaks (May 20, 2012)

The SSPX and the Electronic Grapevine (May 16, 2012)

Is the SSPX on the brink of reunion with Rome? (May 02, 2012)