Vatican’s Action Against Archbishop
The Vatican has excommunicated an ultra-conservative archbishop who was found guilty of schism, a serious offense in canon law where submission to the Pope is rejected.
Carlo Maria Vigano, a former Vatican ambassador to the US, had gone into hiding in 2018 after making allegations against Pope Francis regarding sexual misconduct by US cardinal Theodore McCarrick, claims that the Vatican refuted.
Accusations Against Pope Francis
Vigano had not only accused the Pope of covering up misconduct but also called him a “false prophet” and a “servant of Satan,” demanding his resignation.
In response, the Vatican’s doctrinal office officially announced Vigano’s excommunication on the grounds that he refused to recognize papal authority within the Roman Catholic Church.
Impact of Excommunication
The formal excommunication means Vigano is now excluded from the church and cannot partake in its sacraments like communion.
Despite the ruling being issued by the Doctrine of the Faith office and not directly by the Pope, it is believed that the Pope was in agreement with the decision.
Defiance and Allegations
Vigano, in his defiance, quoted Jesus from the New Testament and urged Catholics to stand by him amid the controversy.
Known for his extremist views, Vigano has amassed a following of like-minded ultra-conservatives, promoting conspiracy theories and denouncing the response to the COVID-19 pandemic as part of a “Great Reset.”