Former Vatican Nuncio Viganò Faces Schism Trial

Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, former papal nuncio to the United States, faces charges of schism by the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, triggering an extrajudicial penal trial that could lead to excommunication and removal from the clerical state. Viganò is accused of public statements denying communion with the Catholic Church, rejecting the legitimacy of Pope Francis, and opposing Vatican Council II. The process, approved by senior Vatican officials and Pope Francis, involves a summons for Viganò to appear in Rome to address the allegations. Viganò's history of challenging the Church's leadership, including calling for Pope Francis' resignation, aligns with his current situation, where he views the accusations as a mark of honor amidst his controversial stances and affiliations.