Vatican's Excommunication of Archbishop Viganò: A Landmark Decision

In a historic move, the Vatican has excommunicated Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, the former papal nuncio to the United States, for his role in the consecration of bishops without the consent of Pope Francis. The Vatican's decision marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the Vatican and Archbishop Viganò, who has been a vocal critic of the Pope and the Catholic Church.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, the former papal nuncio to the United States, has been excommunicated after being found guilty of schism. The decision was announced by the Vatican on Friday, following a lengthy investigation into the allegations against the archbishop.

Vatican's Excommunication of Archbishop Viganò: A Landmark Decision

Archbishop Viganò was accused of consecrating two bishops without the consent of Pope Francis, a serious violation of canon law. The bishops in question were consecrated in China, where the Vatican has long been at odds with the Chinese government over the appointment of bishops.

The Vatican investigation found that Archbishop Viganò had acted without authority and had deliberately defied the Pope's wishes. The archbishop was given the opportunity to defend himself against the charges, but he declined.

As a result of his actions, Archbishop Viganò has been excommunicated, which means that he is no longer a member of the Catholic Church. He is forbidden from administering sacraments or holding any official position within the Church.

The excommunication of Archbishop Viganò is a significant development in the ongoing conflict between the Vatican and the archbishop. Viganò has been a vocal critic of the Pope and the Catholic Church, and his actions have been seen as an attempt to undermine the authority of the Church.

The Vatican's decision to excommunicate Viganò is a clear signal that the Pope will not tolerate opposition to his authority. It is also a reminder that schism, the willful separation from the Church, is a grave offense against the unity of the Catholic faith.

* Archbishop Viganò was appointed papal nuncio to the United States in 2011 by Pope Benedict XVI.

* In 2018, Viganò published a letter accusing Pope Francis of ignoring sexual abuse allegations against then-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick.

* Viganò has also been critical of the Pope's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

* The Vatican investigation into Viganò's actions began in 2020.

* The two bishops consecrated by Viganò were considered illicit by the Vatican because they were not recognized by the Pope.

* The excommunication of Viganò is the latest in a series of disciplinary actions taken by the Vatican against priests and bishops who have challenged the authority of the Pope.