Ultrapapists

Ultrapapists are a small group of Roman Catholics who believe the papacy became vacant in 1958 with the death of Pope Pius XII. They consider subsequent popes, from John XXIII to the present day, to be illegitimate occupants of the papal throne. This position is often referred to as sedevacantism.

Ultrapapists typically hold that the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II) and its subsequent reforms introduced changes to Catholic doctrine and practice that they deem heretical or contrary to the true Catholic faith. They believe that the popes who convened and implemented Vatican II and its reforms were not true popes because they did not adhere to what Ultrapapists consider essential Catholic dogma and tradition.

Consequently, Ultrapapists do not recognize the authority of these popes or the hierarchy appointed by them. They often celebrate Mass according to the pre-Vatican II Roman Rite, sometimes referred to as the Tridentine Mass, and generally reject the liturgical reforms that followed the council, such as the Novus Ordo Missae. Some Ultrapapists seek out clergy who also hold their views to administer sacraments. The group is characterized by its strict adherence to pre-Vatican II teachings and practices and its rejection of the post-1958 papacy.