The Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) is a traditionalist Catholic priestly society founded in 1970 by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. It was established to preserve the traditional practices and teachings of the Catholic Church, particularly in response to the changes brought about by the Second Vatican Council. The society operates independent of the Vatican and has its own seminaries, schools, and chapels. The SSPX emphasizes the importance of the Latin Mass and traditional Catholic doctrine. While it has faced criticism and controversy over its stance on various issues, including its relationship with the Vatican, it continues to attract followers who seek a return to pre-Vatican II practices and beliefs.