Anti-LGBTQ+ Archbishop Formally Excommunicated from Catholic Church

Carlo Maria Viganò, an openly anti-LGBTQ+ archbishop, was recently excommunicated by the Catholic church in response to years of public comments criticizing the Vatican and Pope Francis.

Serving as a Vatican diplomat to Washington D.C. from 2011 to 2016, Viganò made conservative beliefs and anti-queer rhetoric a focal point in his public critiques of the Pope.

Viganò denounced Pope Francis by calling him a “false prophet” and “servant of Satan,” accusing the slightly progressive pontiff of heresy and corruption. The disgraced priest blames a “gay lobby” and “new world order” for their influence on the Pope.

In June 2020, Viganò penned an open letter to Donald Trump, offering prayer and support to the former President. In the letter, Viganò compiled conspiracies surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the existence of an American “deep state” to warn the 45th President of an ”orchestrated media narrative” intended to attack him.

Furthering his descent into global conspiracy theories, Viganò accused Ukrainian President Zelensky of promoting LGBTQ+ ideology and a European-sponsored ‘reform agenda,’ including gender equality and the ‘green economy’ in a 2022 pro-Russian letter.

As early as 2015, Viganò attempted to engage in the media zeitgeist, making news by inviting the infamous county clerk from Kentucky, Kim Davis, to a reception for the pope. The Vatican later denied that Davis attended.

Last month the Vatican formally accused Viganò of “schism,” an offense of the highest order in Catholic law. The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith released a public statement citing “His public statements manifesting his refusal to recognize and submit to the Supreme Pontiff, his rejection of communion with the members of the Church subject to him, and of the legitimacy and magisterial authority of the Second Vatican Council…” as justification for the accusation.

The Vatican confirmed Viganò was found guilty and officially excommunicated, following his failure to appear before the Dicastery. The former priest called the accusations “an honor” before again criticizing the catholic church and pope for “inclusive, immigrationist, eco-sustainable, and gay-friendly” sentiments.

Viganò has a history of public conflict with the Vatican. In 2018, he accused Francis of being complicit in covering up the sexual misconduct of U.S. Cardinal Theodore McCarrick. The Vatican responded in a 2020 report blaming Viganò for not enforcing Vatican restrictions on McCarrick when prompted to do so.

Being excommunicated has not affected the former archbishop’s desire to write heated social media posts, as this month he garnered attention again for denouncing the blessing of a gay couple and their plans for adoption on social media.