In recent decades, sedevacantism has gained traction among some disillusioned Catholics who believe the papal seat is vacant due to perceived errors in the post-Vatican II Church. While the crisis in the Church is real and undeniable, the sedevacantist solution is not only theologically flawed but also harmful to the unity of the Mystical Body of Christ. As a traditional Catholic who attends the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP) parish, I recognize the beauty and reverence of the Traditional Latin Mass, but I also acknowledge the authority of the Holy Father and the validity of the Novus Ordo Mass. Here, I will address the fundamental errors of sedevacantism and demonstrate why faithful Catholics must reject this dangerous path.
1. The Indefectibility of the Church
One of the most serious theological errors of sedevacantism is its implicit denial of the Church’s indefectibility. Christ promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against His Church (Matthew 16:18). This means that, despite crises, scandals, or weak leadership, the Church will never completely fall into apostasy. Sedevacantists, however, claim that the papal office has been vacant for decades, which would imply that the Church has defected—a direct contradiction to Christ’s promise.
Catholic Answers emphasizes that "the Church cannot completely defect, as Christ has ensured its preservation through apostolic succession and the guidance of the Holy Spirit" (Catholic Answers). If the Church has no valid pope for more than sixty years, where does that leave the apostolic succession? Who has the authority to elect a new pope? If all post-Vatican II popes were illegitimate, then the entire visible Church has been led into error, which is an impossible proposition in light of Christ’s promises.
2. The Authority of the Pope
Sedevacantists often argue that recent popes have espoused theological errors or ambiguities, making them heretics and therefore incapable of holding office. However, the Church has never taught that a pope loses his office automatically due to private theological errors. Historically, even popes who have spoken ambiguously or unwisely have remained valid popes.
Michael Lofton states, "No individual Catholic—especially laypeople—has the authority to judge and depose a reigning pontiff. This is why we must remain humble and obedient, even when we struggle with certain decisions from Rome" (Catholic Answers). Papal legitimacy does not depend on personal holiness or perfect theological clarity but on lawful election and acceptance by the Church.
3. The Validity of the Novus Ordo Mass
Another common sedevacantist claim is that the Novus Ordo Mass is invalid. While it is undeniable that many abuses have occurred in its celebration, abuses do not equate to invalidity. The Church has clearly taught that the Novus Ordo is a valid and licit form of the Mass when celebrated according to the rubrics. To deny its validity is to implicitly deny the Church’s authority to regulate the liturgy.
Catholic Answers affirms, "The form of the Mass is not doctrinal, but disciplinary; the Church has the authority to determine the manner in which the Eucharist is celebrated" (Catholic Answers). Many traditional Catholics, myself included, prefer the Traditional Latin Mass because of its richness and reverence. However, we must not fall into the trap of rejecting the ordinary form of the Mass, which countless saints and faithful Catholics have attended in good conscience.
4. A Call to Fidelity
The confusion in today’s Church is real, and traditional Catholics have legitimate concerns about modernism, theological ambiguities, and liturgical decline. However, the response to this crisis is not sedevacantism but fidelity. We are called to remain steadfast, continuing to pray for the Holy Father and the hierarchy while upholding the traditions of our faith.
Organizations like the FSSP show that it is possible to maintain tradition while remaining in full communion with the Church. The proper response to the crisis is to restore tradition, not to abandon the Church altogether. Those who embrace sedevacantism isolate themselves from the very Church that Christ established, cutting themselves off from the sacraments and the apostolic succession.
Conclusion
Sedevacantism presents itself as a solution to the modern crisis, but in reality, it leads to schism, theological inconsistency, and a loss of faith in Christ’s promise to His Church. While we acknowledge the severe issues within the post-Vatican II Church, we must always remember that the Church remains indefectible. The path forward is one of fidelity, prayer, and restoration—not separation. Let us stay rooted in tradition while remaining obedient to the visible Church, trusting that Christ remains the Head of His Mystical Body and will never abandon His Bride.
Sources
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"The Form of the Mass Is Not Doctrinal." Catholic Answers. https://www.catholic.com/qa/the-form-of-the-mass-is-not-doctrinal
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Lofton, Michael. "Answering Sedevacantism." Catholic Answers. https://www.catholic.com/audio/cot/answering-sedevacantism-with-michael-lofton
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"Is the New Mass Illegitimate?" Catholic Answers Magazine. https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/is-the-new-mass-illegitimate
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"Sedevacantism Explained: Is It a Legitimate Response to the Crisis in the Church?" Catholicus.eu. https://catholicus.eu/en/sedevacantism-explained-is-it-a-legitimate-response-to-the-crisis-in-the-church
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"What Constitutes Valid Consecration?" Catholic Answers. https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/what-constitutes-valid-consecration