VATICAN CITY (RNS) A traditionalist Catholic breakaway group expelled Bishop Richard Williamson, who in 2009 sparked a major crisis in Jewish-Catholic relations for denying the Holocaust shortly before Pope Benedict XVI readmitted him to the church. By Alessandro Speciale.

(RNS) Pope Benedict XVI has reportedly told the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) that they must accept the Second Vatican Council, a move that might seal the fate of years of negotiations to bring the group fully back into the Catholic fold. By Alessandro Speciale.

VATICAN CITY (RNS) The Catholic traditionalist group SSPX said the Vatican's latest reconciliation offer is "clearly unacceptable,'' a move that comes as Pope Benedict XVI appointed a high-profile American prelate to oversee relations with traditionalists. By Alessandro Speciale.

VATICAN CITY (RNS) The leader of the traditionalist Catholic movement that's been at odds with the Vatican for decades received the final draft of Pope Benedict XVI's reconciliation offer on Wednesday. By Alessandro Speciale.

VATICAN CITY (RNS) Reconciliation between the Vatican and a conservative breakaway group will require "further discussions" the Vatican doctrinal office said on Wednesday, while stressing that each member of the group will have to agree on key points of Catholic doctrine, including relationship with the Jews. By Alessandro Speciale.

VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Benedict XVI has drawn the ire of many Catholics with its attempt to reconcile with the Society of St. Pius X, a traditionalist breakaway Catholic group. Now, the SSPX's final answer to a Vatican offer of reconciliation is expected within days. By Alessandro Speciale.