Vatican Excommunicates Archbishop Vigano for Schism, Found Guilty by Doctrine Office

The Vatican has officially excommunicated Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, its former ambassador to Washington, after a verdict of schism was declared by the Vatican’s Doctrine Office.

Archbishop Vigano was found guilty of the reserved delict of schism by the Doctrine Office, which cited his public statements rejecting the authority of the Supreme Pontiff, communion with the church members subject to him, and the legitimacy of the Second Vatican Council.

As a result of the guilty verdict, Archbishop Vigano has been automatically excommunicated in accordance with the Code of Canon Law, with the possibility of the penalty being lifted by the Apostolic See.

Archbishop Vigano, who served as nuncio in the United States and held various positions in Rome and Nigeria, has been a vocal critic of Pope Francis and the Vatican II reforms.

His contentious public statements and refusal to submit to the Vatican’s jurisdiction led to the extrajudicial trial that culminated in the verdict of schism and subsequent excommunication.

Throughout his career, Archbishop Vigano has been embroiled in controversies, from the Vatileaks scandal to his involvement in inviting Kim Davis to meet Pope Francis during his U.S. visit.

The schism declaration against Archbishop Vigano underscores the ongoing tensions between traditionalist factions in the Catholic Church and the reforms introduced by Pope Francis and Vatican II.

The excommunication is seen as a symbolic move aimed at preserving the unity of the Church and deterring further dissent from established doctrine and hierarchy.