Bishop Athanasius Schneider has offered Pope Leo XIV a “bridge” over the divide between the church of the Second Vatican Council and the traditional church of two millennia. This bridge is badly needed at this time. On July 1, the Priestly Society of Saint Pius X is planning to consecrate bishops, but without Rome’s approval. He fears that this may result in a schism similar to that of the Eastern Orthodox in 1054 AD. To prevent this, Bp. Schneider proposes that two questions be honestly answered. First, why is acceptance of the pastoral teachings of the Second Vatican Council, in particular the new Mass, incumbent upon the faithful in order to remain in full communion? This requirement was never imposed following any of the previous 20 ecumenical councils. Second, why are the German bishops who advance “clear doctrinal deviations that promote de facto heresies” being treated pastorally, yet the SSPX “which denies no dogma, recognizes the primacy of the Pope, prays for him, and professes filial devotion to him,” not being offered this same charity?