Pope Leo XIV, 70, received Bishop Athanasius Schneider, 63, in Rome on December 18, 2025, two months ago. The two men spoke for about half an hour…
Letter #13, 2026, Thursday, February 26: Bishop Schneider
Bishop Athanasius Schneider joined me for an hour-long conversation this morning.
Our podcast can be viewed on our YouTube channel at this link
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The Church faces many challenges today, as does our Pope, Leo XIV, the successor of St. Peter.
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My intent in the podcast with Bishop Schneider, as in my Letters, is to try to help a process of “bridge-building” in a situation many would agree is one of considerable anxiety and stress, following decades of division, and spiritual and doctrinal conflict, in the Church.
My goal is not to exacerbate tensions and divisions, but, if it may be possible, through speaking frankly with representatives of various groups, to help overcome these divisions in our Church, and, in this way, to assist in an effort to find deeper unity, in fidelity to the one Christ, in Whom we are one (as the episcopal motto of Pope Leo states: “Pope Leo XIV has also chosen a motto that reflects this Augustinian tradition: In Illo uno unum, which means “In the One (Christ), we are one.” The phrase is taken from St. Augustine’s Exposition on Psalm 127, where Augustine explains that “although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one.” (link)
Jesus, scripture tells us, prayed aloud in the presence of his disciples for our unity in His last prayer, at the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed.
Jesus lifted His eyes toward the Father, and prayed for those disciples present with Him, and for those who would come after them, in these words:
Gospel of John 17:20-23:
20 “I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
21 so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.
22 And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one,
23 I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me.”
—RM
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Bishop Schneider’s Open Letter to Pope Leo
In the podcast, Bishop Athanasius Schneider, 63, speaking from a frigid -20 degrees in Karaganda, Kazakhstan, where he was visiting a Catholic seminary, discusses the present situation of the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) and the controversy surrounding its desire to consecrate new bishops.
Bishop Schneider explains that he has written an open letter to Pope Leo XIV asking him to grant the apostolic mandate for the consecrations.
Schneider outlines the SSPX’s position, stating that the Society has maintained traditional Catholic doctrine and liturgical practices without introducing new teachings, and argues that this fidelity should allow for fuller communion with the Holy See.
The conversation addresses Rome’s requirement that the SSPX accept all teachings of the Second Vatican Council and the post-conciliar Magisterium. Bishop Schneider expresses concern about certain formulations he considers ambiguous and proposes that the SSPX be permitted to make a profession of faith using a formula widely accepted before 1967.
Drawing on historical parallels, he reflects on past divisions within Christianity and urges pastoral generosity to avoid further separation.
He also speaks about his own recent meeting, on December 18 (link), with Pope Leo XIV, describing the Holy Father as “attentive” and “benevolent,” and expresses hope for a resolution that strengthens unity within the Church.
The video concludes with a call to prayer for Pope Leo XIV and for the unity of the Church.
Subscribe here for more conversations on faith and the life of the Church. (The podcasts are free.)
Note: Bishop Schneider will lead a retreat in a Franciscan monastery on an island in Croatia from June 15 to 21, 2026 — in three and a half months. I invite you to consider joining us (link).
Viewer’s Comments
Here are a few of the viewers’ comments on today’s podcast:
—From Bishop Schneider’s lips to Pope Leo’s ears. Thank you, you’re both exemplary bridge builders.
—What a great interview, Bob. Bishop Schneider really has a heart full of Christ’s love.
—Thank God for His Excellency Bishop Schneider.
—Thank you. God bless you both.
—God Bless Bp Schneider! A true shepherd for our times.
—Bishop Schneider is a priest after the HEART OF JESUS. May God bless him ABUNDANTLY.
—Greetings, Dear Bishop Schneider! It is such a blessing to see you. May God bless you and protect your comings and goings. Viva Cristo Rey! Karina in Rockville
—I often wondered what it would be like to live amongst a Saint. Now I know. P.S. This action of SSPX is not just about the TLM (Traditional Latin Mass). It is to preserve Catholic teachings — the ones that have been lost somewhere for at least 60 years!! —since my beautiful clear/concise Baltimore Catechism I learned from to make my first Holy Communion was replaced …
—How is he not canceled? The Blessed Mother must be protecting him. The infiltrators will never accept the SSPX. They are the living reminder of the true Catholic Faith.
—One question from a TLM parish member… a major problem… why did the Popes after the Council not stop the abuses and novelties in the Liturgy? I think the problem with the SSPX would not be such an issue. The Novus Ordo Mass would not have veered so far off course.
—I am sorry I missed this live, but thankful I can listen to the wisdom of both you, Dr. Moynihan and Bishop Schneider, concerning this crisis!
—Thank you, Bishop Schneider. Your ability to forgive is so Christ-like. You are an inspiration to all, a Prophet. And also a great intellectual leader. God be with you.
[End, comments by viewers on today’s podcast with Bishop Schneider]
Rooted in Hope: Private Island Retreat with Bishop Athanasius Schneider
June 15 – June 21, 2026
Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages invites you to join a special Pilgrimage and Retreat with Bishop Athanasius Schneider, June 15-21, 2026.
Highlights of our Croatia Retreat with Bishop Schneider, June 2026
- Five-day private island retreat with Bishop Schneider at an ancient, recently restored monastery
- Daily Mass celebrated in the Traditional Latin Rite
- Free time to pray, explore the island, swim in the blue Adriatic waters, walk with other pilgrims along the island path, and travel to nearby islands in a private boat
- One night in Split with time to explore the city on your own
