By Smartencyclopedia & Agencies
In a dramatic move underscoring the tensions within the Catholic Church, the Vatican has excommunicated Italian Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, a prominent critic of Pope Francis. The Vatican’s doctrinal office announced that Vigano was found guilty of schism, indicating a formal split from the Catholic Church after years of fierce opposition to the Pope’s leadership and policies.
Vigano’s Long-standing Disputes
Archbishop Vigano, an 83-year-old ultra-conservative figure, has been a vocal opponent of Pope Francis, accusing him of heresy and criticizing his progressive stances on various issues, including immigration, climate change, and same-sex couples. Vigano previously called for the Pope’s resignation, escalating his dissent to public and severe critiques.
Vigano served as the papal envoy to Washington from 2011 to 2016, holding a senior position within the Church. However, his relationship with the Vatican took a contentious turn in 2018 when he alleged that Pope Francis was aware of sexual abuse by an American cardinal and failed to act—a claim the Vatican firmly denied. Following these allegations, Vigano went into hiding, further distancing himself from the Church’s mainstream.
Association with Conspiracy Theories
Over the years, Vigano’s criticisms extended beyond Church affairs. He became associated with US conspiracy theorists, voicing opposition to COVID-19 vaccines and suggesting a “globalist” and “anti-Christian” agenda driven by the UN and other international bodies. These controversial views alienated him further from the Vatican’s leadership and mainstream Catholic doctrine.
The Vatican’s Official Stance
On Friday, the Vatican’s doctrinal office made the excommunication official, citing Vigano’s persistent refusal to acknowledge Pope Francis’ authority. “The Most Reverend Carlo Maria Vigano was found guilty of the reserved delict [violation of the law] of schism,” the statement read, confirming his banishment from the Church.
Vigano responded via a post on X (formerly Twitter), linking to the decree emailed to him and asserting, “What was attributed to me as guilt for my conviction is now put on record, confirming the Catholic Faith that I fully profess.”
Last month, Vigano was charged with schism and denying the Pope’s legitimacy. At that time, he expressed pride in the accusations, stating on X, “I repudiate, reject, and condemn the scandals, errors, and heresies of Jorge Mario Bergoglio,” referring to the Pope by his birth name.
Pope Francis and Church Reforms
Pope Francis has notably diverged from traditionalist views, advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, championing migrant rights, and criticizing the excesses of capitalism. His reforms have often placed him at odds with conservative factions within the Church.
The excommunication of Archbishop Vigano follows another significant action last year when Pope Francis dismissed Bishop Joseph E. Strickland of Texas, another ultra-conservative critic who refused to resign after an investigation.
The excommunication of Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano highlights the deep divisions within the Catholic Church over Pope Francis’ leadership and reformist agenda. As the Church navigates these internal conflicts, the Pope’s actions signal a commitment to maintaining unity and addressing dissent that challenges the Church’s direction in the modern world.