The excommunication of Archbishop Lefebvre was probably not valid. First, because it was imposed despite his defense of necessity, which was permitted by Canon Law. Right or wrong, the canons state explicitly he need only have believed such a state to have existed.Once again, The Pope wrote Canon law, he decides what is or is not a state of necessity.
Canon law depends from his authority, not from Lefebvre’s state of mind. Canon law cannot reverse what the Pope does, that would be an absurdity. And the Pope declared it a schism, and declared Lefebvre excommunicated. If you think you can judge the Pope’s decision, you are a heretic.
Second, the canons do not equate disobedence to a papal command with schism.No, but when the Pope calls it a schism, it is one. He determines the communion, not you. And when he excommunicates you, e.g., you are no longer in communion with him, you are in schism.
Most Vatican officials privately don't believe a schism ever occured, but they use the term to dampen enthusiasm for a movement that threatens modernism.Ah yes, now you are reading the minds of “most Vatican officials.” You not only want to be your own Pope, but God as well?
patent +AMDG