4.23. If sedevacantism is right, why didn’t more traditional bishops and priests take that position after Vatican II?

Some did—like Archbishop Thục, Bishop Guerard des Lauriers, Fr. Joaquín Sáenz y Arriaga, and many others. But many were confused, fearful, or hoped the Church would “self-correct.” Others—like Archbishop Lefebvre—resisted but still recognized the Vatican II popes, creating a hybrid contradiction (resistance without rejection of authority).

In hindsight, even many well-meaning traditionalists failed to apply the Church’s own teachings about heresy and loss of office. Sedevacantism is not a popular position—it offers no institutional security, no prestige. But it remains the most consistent theological response to this unprecedented crisis.

History shows saints often stood alone at first. Truth is not proven by votes—it is proven by faithfulness to Tradition.