Carlo Maria Viganò

Carlo Maria Viganò, born on January sixteenth, nineteen forty-one, is an Italian excommunicated archbishop and theologian known for his controversial role within the Catholic Church. He served as Apostolic Nuncio to the United States from two thousand eleven to two thousand sixteen and was previously the secretary-general of the Governorate of Vatican City State from two thousand nine to two thousand eleven. Viganò gained notoriety for exposing financial corruption in the Vatican through the Vatican leaks scandal of two thousand twelve and for his explosive letter in two thousand eighteen, which accused Pope Francis and other church leaders of covering up sexual abuse allegations against former cardinal Theodore McCarrick.

Ordained as a priest in nineteen sixty-eight, Viganò dedicated much of his career to diplomatic missions for the Holy See. He was consecrated a bishop by Pope John Paul II in nineteen ninety-two and subsequently served as nuncio in Nigeria for six years before returning to Rome. His tenure as secretary-general of the Vatican City Governorate was marked by significant financial reforms, transforming a budget deficit into a surplus and directly addressing financial corruption with Pope Benedict XVI.

During his time in the United States, Viganò became a prominent conservative figure, notably arranging a meeting between Pope Francis and Kim Davis, a county clerk known for her opposition to same-sex marriage. His term ended in two thousand sixteen, but he remained in the public eye, particularly after publishing his letter in August two thousand eighteen, which sparked a wide range of reactions within the church. While some supported his claims, others questioned his credibility and the veracity of his statements.

In the years following the publication of his letter, Viganò continued to make headlines with controversial public statements and conspiracy theories. He rejected the Second Vatican Council and the Mass of Paul VI, and in December two thousand twenty-three, he announced plans to establish a traditionalist seminary outside the church's jurisdiction. In two thousand twenty-four, he faced charges of schism and was ultimately excommunicated after refusing to appear at a trial.