The Vatican has officially excommunicated Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò for schism. This decision marks a significant moment in the Church’s history, reflecting ongoing tensions within its hierarchy and doctrinal disputes. Viganò, a former Vatican nuncio to the United States, has been a vocal critic of Pope Francis and the reforms of the Second Vatican Council.
The Definition of Schism
In canonical terms, schism is defined as the refusal of submission to the Supreme Pontiff or of communion with the members of the Church subject to him. This serious offense under Canon Law incurs automatic excommunication (latae sententiae) and potentially other severe penalties.
The Case Against Carlo Maria Viganò
Viganò has been accused of making public statements that deny essential elements necessary for maintaining communion with the Catholic Church. These include the denial of Pope Francis’s legitimacy, a rupture of communion with him, and the rejection of the Second Vatican Council. Viganò’s statements have been deeply critical of what he perceives as the theological and moral errors of the current papacy and its alignment with the reforms of Vatican II.
The Excommunication Process
The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) initiated an extrajudicial penal trial to address Viganò’s actions. This process, unlike a full canonical trial, is expedited but still allows the accused to defend themselves and see the evidence presented against them. Viganò, however, chose not to appear before the tribunal, instead issuing statements that underscore his disdain for the charges and the current Church leadership.
Viganò’s Response
In his response, Viganò has framed the excommunication as a badge of honor. He has likened his situation to that of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, who was similarly excommunicated in the 1980s for his opposition to Vatican II. Viganò asserts that the current accusations confirm his long-held views about the Church’s direction under Pope Francis. He vehemently rejects what he calls the “Bergoglian church,” which he believes is a departure from true Catholicism.
The Role of Carlo Acutis
Interestingly, Viganò’s excommunication has drawn comments from various Church figures, including those referencing the life and influence of Blessed Carlo Acutis. Acutis, beatified for his deep faith and innovative evangelization using digital media, stands in stark contrast to Viganò’s contentious stance. Some see Acutis’s legacy as embodying the positive future of the Church’s engagement with modernity, which Viganò rejects.
Potential Impact on Followers
The excommunication may also affect Viganò’s followers, potentially leading to further polarization. Supporters who view him as a defender of traditional Catholicism may become more entrenched in their views, while others may be discouraged from publicly opposing the Vatican’s authority. This could either consolidate traditionalist dissent or prompt a re-evaluation of their stance within the broader Church context
The Broader Implications
This event underscores a broader schism within the Catholic Church, reflecting deep ideological divides over the interpretation of Vatican II and the direction of the current papacy. The excommunication of a high-ranking and once-influential figure like Viganò highlights the Church’s commitment to maintaining doctrinal unity, even at the cost of severe disciplinary actions.
Conclusion
Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò’s excommunication for schism is a significant and polarizing event in the contemporary Catholic Church. It reflects the intense ongoing debates over Church doctrine, authority, and the legacy of Vatican II. As the Church continues to navigate these challenges