Archbishop Viganò excommunicated: Vatican crackdown on dissent

The Vatican announced that the former Apostolic Nuncio to the USA, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, has been excommunicated. The prelate harshly criticises Pope Francis and the Second Vatican Council.

The rebellious prelate was accused of schism and judged. He did not appear at the trial in the Vatican, calling it a "farce".

In a statement, the dicastery (formerly the congregation) announced that Archbishop Viganò's trial, conducted in accordance with the Code of Canon Law, concluded on July 4.

It was noted that there have been many public statements by the prelate, who "rejects recognition and obedience to the Pope," as well as unity with the members of the Church and the legitimacy of the teachings of the Second Vatican Council.

"As a result of the criminal process, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò was found guilty of the crime of schism," and the dicastery imposed on him a "latae sententiae" excommunication based on canon 1364, which states: "An apostate from the faith, a heretic, or a schismatic incurs a latae sententiae excommunication."

This decision was communicated to the Italian prelate on Friday at 14:00 GMT.

Viganò is a harsh critic of Pope Francis. He has called on him to resign. The Italian prelate has also spread Russian narratives regarding the war in Ukraine and described Vladimir Putin as a "defender of Christian civilization".