Italian Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò Excommunicated for Schism and Criticism of Pope Francis
Italian Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, a former papal ambassador to the United States, has been excommunicated by the Vatican for schism and his ultraconservative criticism of Pope Francis. The Vatican stated that Archbishop Viganò refused to recognize and submit to the authority of the pope, rejected communion with members of the Catholic Church, and disregarded its authoritative teachings. In 2018, Archbishop Viganò released a controversial dossier calling for Pope Francis to resign, accusing him of knowledge about abuse allegations involving trainee priests by former Washington DC Cardinal Theodore McCarrick while failing to take action. A Vatican inquiry later contradicted Viganò's claims and cleared Pope Francis of wrongdoing.The excommunication of Archbishop Viganò, who previously served as a Vatican diplomat, is considered highly unusual as he was tasked with serving the pope. This penal ruling prohibits Archbishop Viganò from receiving sacraments like communion within the Roman Catholic Church. Despite his opposition, he remains adamant in refusing to recognize the legitimacy of the excommunication process.Recent statements from Archbishop Viganò have declared Pope Francis' election as null and void, accusing him of heresy and schism. He has criticized the pope for supporting climate initiatives, endorsing Covid-19 vaccines, and advocating for an inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and LGBTQ-friendly church. Archbishop Viganò's involvement in arranging a meeting between Pope Francis and Kim Davis, a Kentucky clerk known for refusing marriage licenses to same-sex couples during the pope's 2015 US visit, sparked controversy. The Vatican clarified that the meeting did not indicate support for Davis' position.Following Viganò's 2018 call for Pope Francis to resign, some bishops in the US expressed solidarity with the Archbishop, leading to mixed reactions among commentators. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See's Secretary of State, expressed uncertainty about the Archbishop's actions, remarking on his previous reputation as an effective diplomat and official.The Vatican disclosed that Archbishop Viganò had been formally notified of his excommunication and emphasized that only the Holy See holds the authority to revoke the sanction.
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