Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, a former Vatican ambassador to the United States, has been excommunicated after being found guilty of schism.
The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith office imposed the penalty after a meeting of its members on Thursday and informed Viganò of its decision Friday, a press statement said.
It cited Viganò ’s “refusal to recognize and submit to the Supreme Pontiff, his rejection of communion with the members of the church subject to him, and of the legitimacy and magisterial authority of the Second Vatican Council.”
The penalty of excommunication is one of the most severe in canon law, indicating a formal break from the Church. It prohibits Viganò from participating in the sacraments and exercising any ecclesiastical roles within the Catholic Church. It is a rare disciplinary action used by various religious groups to censure members who have committed serious offenses. It’s a measure that’s not taken lightly and often serves as a last resort
This case has attracted significant attention due to Viganò’s previous high-profile position and his outspoken criticism of Pope Francis and various Church practices.
Viganò has been a vocal critic of Pope Francis, particularly in his stance on various church and social issues. His disagreements with the Pope have been wide-ranging, touching on topics from the handling of sexual abuse allegations within the church to the Vatican’s approach to China and the appointment of bishops. He has also publicly denounced what he perceives as the Pope’s leniency towards homosexuality within the clergy and has been critical of the Pope’s endorsement of COVID-19 vaccines.
The Church is built on obedience to the Pope and vocal and relentless dissenters like Viganò threaten the entire institution. The excommunication is a clear message from the Vatican regarding the importance of unity and adherence to Church doctrine and authority.
