Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, former nuncio to the United States, has been excommunicated after being found guilty of schism. The Vatican announced the decision on March 11, 2023, after a canonical trial found that Viganò had "publicly and persistently denied the primacy of the pope and the authority of the Catholic Church."
The Vatican's decision came after a canonical trial found that Viganò had "publicly and persistently denied the primacy of the pope and the authority of the Catholic Church." The trial was initiated in 2021, following a series of public statements by Viganò in which he criticized Pope Francis and the Catholic hierarchy.
In one statement, Viganò accused Francis of "heresy" and called for his resignation. He also alleged that the Catholic Church was being infiltrated by "enemies of the faith" and that the Vatican was "corrupted."
Archbishop Viganò Excommunicated for Schism
The Vatican's investigation found that Viganò's statements were "a grave violation of Catholic doctrine and law." The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which conducted the investigation, concluded that Viganò had "formally and publicly separated himself from the Catholic Church."
The decision to excommunicate Viganò was made by Pope Francis himself. Excommunication is the most severe penalty that the Catholic Church can impose on a member. It means that Viganò is now considered to be outside the Catholic Church and can no longer receive the sacraments or participate in any Catholic activities.
Viganò has said that he does not accept the Vatican's decision and that he will continue to speak out against what he sees as the errors of the Catholic Church. He has also said that he is considering appealing the decision to the International Criminal Court.
The Vatican's decision to excommunicate Viganò is a significant event, as it marks the first time that a bishop has been excommunicated for schism since 1988. It is a clear indication that the Vatican is determined to crack down on dissent within the Church.
The decision has been met with mixed reactions. Some Catholics have welcomed the decision, saying that it is necessary to uphold the authority of the pope and the Church. Others have criticized the decision, saying that it is an attack on freedom of expression and that it will only further divide the Catholic Church.
The excommunication of Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò is a major development in the Catholic Church. It is a clear signal that the Vatican is determined to crack down on dissent and to uphold the authority of the pope. The decision is likely to have a significant impact on the future of the Catholic Church.
In addition to the paragraphs above, the article could also include additional details about Viganò's background, his previous statements, and the Vatican's investigation. The article could also include quotes from Viganò and from Vatican officials.
