In a shocking turn of events, the Vatican has officially taken action against Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, a vocal critic of Pope Francis. Viganò, who has accused the pontiff of being a “servant of Satan” and called for his resignation, is now facing a penal canon trial for the “crime of schism” and “denial of the legitimacy of Pope Francis.”
This rare move by the Vatican signals a growing intolerance for internal dissent against the pope. If convicted, Viganò could face defrocking and excommunication, effectively ending his career as a prominent figure of resistance within the church.
Viganò, undeterred by the charges against him, sees them as a badge of honor and continues to question the legitimacy of Pope Francis. He has been vocal in his opposition to what he perceives as the pope’s liberal agenda, even accusing him of overseeing a “cancerous” church.
This showdown between the Vatican and Archbishop Viganò is just the latest in a series of disciplinary actions taken against conservative voices within the church. As tensions rise, Pope Francis is cracking down on dissenting clerics, stripping them of their titles and privileges.
The trial of Archbishop Viganò comes after years of public feuds with the pontiff, including explosive accusations of misconduct and cover-ups within the church. Viganò has doubled down on his claims, alleging further abuses by Pope Francis and his inner circle.
As the trial unfolds, the Vatican is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate open defiance of the pope. Whatever the outcome, this high-stakes confrontation highlights the power struggles and deep divisions within the Catholic Church.
