Excommunicated Brazilian priest continues celebrating Mass, rejects Vatican decision

The Archdiocese of Brasília has confirmed the excommunication of priest Françoá Rodrigues Figueiredo Costa, following his adherence to the ultraconservative Fraternidade Sacerdotal São Pio X (SSPX). The Vatican decision renders his ministerial acts, including absolutions and marriages, illicit and invalid, according to Folha de S.Paulo.

Despite the penalty, the 47-year-old priest says he will not comply. Tribuna Online reported that Costa stated he would continue celebrating Mass daily at a chapel in Ceilândia, in the Federal District, and does not recognize the excommunication as valid.

Tribuna OnlineQuem é o padre brasileiro que desafia Vaticano e se rebelou após excomunhão

Costa was ordained in 2004 and built a career as a theology professor, directed a Catholic college, and published books on spirituality and doctrine, according to Tribuna Online. He was born in Redenção do Gurguéia, Piauí, in 1979. Folha reported that he claims to act on his own authority, under divine mandate.

The case highlights ongoing tensions between the Vatican and traditionalist factions within the Catholic Church. While the SSPX did not respond to requests for comment, Costa’s open defiance suggests a deepening rift over doctrinal and disciplinary lines.