Archbishop Excommunicated For Defying Pope

Carlo Maria Viganò, 83, a former Roman Catholic archbishop who served as the Vatican’s ambassador to the United States from 2011 to 2016, has been excommunicated from the Catholic Church for the canonical offense of schism. The Vatican’s doctrinal office informed him of its decision following a penal process, citing his public statements that refuse to recognize and submit to Pope Francis, reject communion with the Church under his authority, and challenge the legitimacy of the Second Vatican Council.

Schism, according to canon law, involves a refusal of submission to the Supreme Pontiff or communion with the members of the Church subject to him. Viganò did not participate in his trial in Rome, as reported by The Washington Post, and had anticipated the outcome, considering it an extrajudicial process. In response to the charges, he expressed defiance, viewing them as a badge of honor.

As a result of his excommunication, Viganò is formally considered outside the Catholic Church, barred from participating in sacraments such as Communion, and prohibited from ordaining priests or celebrating Mass. Over recent years, Viganò gained attention for calling for Pope Francis’s resignation and making allegations of corruption and misconduct within the Church, including claims of cover-ups related to sexual abuse cases.

Despite his excommunication, Viganò has maintained a presence on social media, occasionally sharing viewpoints critical of Pope Francis and the current direction of the Catholic Church, urging vigilance and quoting biblical passages to underscore his stance. His excommunication reflects a significant rift with the Church hierarchy, underscoring ongoing tensions within the Catholic community.

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