Whistleblower Archbishop Viganò Refuses Vatican Summons

Former Vatican emissary Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano has refused to appear before the Vatican to face charges of schism, citing his refusal to recognize Pope Francis as the head of the Catholic Church.

Vigano, known for accusing Pope Francis of mishandling abuse cases, asserted that his conscience obliges him to witness the truth.

“As I stated in my Communiqué of June 20, I do not recognize the authority of the tribunal that claims to judge me, nor of its Prefect, nor of the one who appointed him,” Archbishop Viganò stated.

“This decision of mine, which is certainly painful, is not the result of haste or a spirit of rebellion; but rather is dictated by the moral necessity which, as Bishop and Successor of the Apostles, obliges me in conscience to bear witness to the Truth, that is, to God Himself, to Our Lord Jesus Christ,” he said.

“Francis is abdicating the mandate which Christ gave to Peter to confirm the brethren. Indeed, by his action he has divided them, led them into error, and encouraged the wolves to continue to tear apart the sheep of Christ’s flock,” Viganò said.

“In this extremely dramatic moment for the universal Church, he must acknowledge his mistakes and, in keeping with the proclaimed principle of zero tolerance, Pope Francis must be the first to set a good example for cardinals and bishops who covered up McCarrick’s abuses and resign along with all of them,” he said.

The Vatican summoned Vigano for an extrajudicial penal trial for denying the legitimacy of Pope Francis and the Second Vatican Council.

Vigano stood firm on his loyalty to the Church and the papacy, rejecting any notion of separation and emphasizing his devotion to the traditional teachings of the Church.

“I face this trial with the determination that comes from knowing that I have no reason to consider myself separate from communion with the Holy Church and with the Papacy, which I have always served with filial devotion and fidelity,” Viganò wrote.

“I could not conceive of a single moment of my life outside this one Ark of salvation, which Providence has constituted as the Mystical Body of Christ, in submission to its Divine Head and to His Vicar on earth,” he added.