The Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has officially excommunicated Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, an 83-year-old Italian prelate and former apostolic nuncio to the United States, for the crime of schism. This extraordinary measure, announced on July 5, 2024, comes after Viganò’s persistent refusal to recognize the authority of Pope Francis and his rejection of the Second Vatican Council’s legitimacy.Viganò, a prominent figure in ultra-conservative Catholic circles, particularly in the United States, has been a vocal critic of Pope Francis’ papacy. He has publicly called the Pope a ‘heretic’, ‘tyrant’, and ‘servant of Satan’, and has accused him of covering up abuse allegations. In 2018, Viganò gained notoriety by calling for Pope Francis’ resignation, and in 2020, he controversially supported then-President Donald Trump and criticized protests following George Floyd’s death.The Vatican’s decision followed an extrajudicial penal process during which Viganò was given the opportunity to defend himself but declined to do so. The excommunication, a rare and severe punishment, prohibits Viganò from celebrating Mass, receiving sacraments, and exercising any ecclesiastical functions or offices.In response to the excommunication, Viganò has stated that he considers the accusations ‘an honor’ and maintains his stance against what he perceives as corruption within the Church. This decision is expected to have significant repercussions in ultra-conservative Catholic circles, especially in the United States, where opposition to Pope Francis’ pontificate has been strong.
Key points
- Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò has been excommunicated by the Vatican for schism.
- Viganò repeatedly rejected Pope Francis’ authority and the legitimacy of the Second Vatican Council.
- The excommunication prohibits Viganò from celebrating Mass, receiving sacraments, and exercising ecclesiastical functions.
- This decision may have significant impact on ultra-conservative Catholic circles, especially in the United States.
