This Date in History: Marcel Lefebvre

June 30, 1988: Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre of Switzerland consecrates four bishops in defiance of orders from Pope John Paul II. Lefebvre had broken with Rome following the Second Vatican Council and, over the years, consecrated hundreds of priests who agreed with his traditionalist views. Elevating four new bishops, however, effectively created a new religious hierarchy that was capable of renewing itself and this finalized his schism. Within hours of the ceremony the Vatican confirmed that Lefebvre and the four bishops had been excommunicated.