The Controversial Summoning of Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò
Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, the former Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, has found himself at the center of a heated debate as he faces charges of schism. A decree from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith has summoned him to appear in Rome to answer for his alleged crimes.
The Archbishop took to his social media account, “X”, to share the communication he received, stating that he is being called to face an “extrajudicial penal process” for the canonical offense of schism. The decree outlines the specific charges against him, which include publicly denying essential elements of Catholic communion, questioning the legitimacy of Pope Francis, breaking communion with the current Pontiff, and rejecting the Second Vatican Council.
This summons comes in the wake of Archbishop Viganò’s public criticism of the Church, particularly his call for Pope Francis’ resignation in a letter regarding the case of former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick. Despite the subsequent publication of a report by the Holy See in November 2020 that refuted his claims, the Archbishop now faces new challenges related to his refusal to recognize the authority of the Pope and the Second Vatican Council.
In response to the decree, Archbishop Viganò stated that he sees the accusations as an honor, boldly referring to the Second Vatican Council as a “cancer”. His defiant stance has drawn attention from Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, who emphasized that the Archbishop will have the opportunity to defend himself in the face of these allegations.
Reflecting on his past collaboration with Archbishop Viganò, Cardinal Parolin expressed regret over the situation, noting the Archbishop’s previous dedication to the Holy See and the good work he had done. The Cardinal’s sentiments echo the confusion surrounding Archbishop Viganò’s recent actions and his departure from traditional Church teachings.
As the controversy unfolds, the Catholic community remains divided over Archbishop Viganò’s outspoken views and the tumultuous relationship between faith and authority within the Church.
