Former Vatican Nuncio Excommunicated for Refusal to Recognize Pope Francis and Vatican II
Recently, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, the former apostolic nuncio to the United States of America, has been declared excommunicated latae sententiae for his refusal to recognize the legitimacy of Pope Francis and the Second Vatican Council.
A press release from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith revealed that on July 4, 2024, Archbishop Viganò was found guilty of the reserved delict of schism, leading to his excommunication. The release stated that Archbishop Viganò’s public statements rejecting communion with the Catholic Church and the authority of the Supreme Pontiff and the Second Vatican Council were well-known.
Archbishop Viganò himself disclosed the details of the process against him, where he was given the opportunity to defend himself, but he did not avail of this opportunity within the specified time frame. As a result, a public defender was assigned to him.
Excommunication in this case means that Archbishop Viganò is prohibited from participating in the sacraments, administering sacramentals, celebrating liturgical ceremonies, and holding any ecclesiastical offices or functions. The penalty is seen as a chance for the offender to repent and return to the communion of the Church.
Despite these developments, there is always hope that those who are excommunicated will seek reconciliation and return to the fold. The process serves as a call to repentance and conversion.
Let us pray for all involved in this situation and for unity within the Church.
