Archbishop Viganò Issues Sharp Rebuke of Pope Francis Following Vatican’s Death Announcement
by | Apr 21, 2025
Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò responded to the death of Pope Francis with a scathing critique of the late pontiff’s leadership and doctrinal positions.
Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, a longtime critic of Pope Francis, issued a searing statement Monday following the announcement of the pontiff’s death, accusing him of serious offenses against the Catholic Church and warning of the consequences he believes await the late pope. Viganò, who was excommunicated in July 2024 for alleged schism, did not hold back in his denunciation of the deceased leader.
Throughout Francis’s papacy, Viganò condemned the pope’s support for open borders, globalist initiatives like the World Economic Forum, and positions he viewed as destructive to traditional Catholic teachings. He had previously spoken out against COVID mandates and voiced concerns about election integrity worldwide, actions that led to heightened tensions with the Vatican hierarchy and ultimately his formal separation from the Holy Catholic Church.
In his latest remarks, Viganò referenced a 2018 interview in which Italian journalist Eugenio Scalfari attributed controversial statements to Pope Francis regarding the afterlife. According to Scalfari’s report, Francis purportedly said, “Sinful souls are not punished: those who repent obtain God’s forgiveness and join the ranks of souls who contemplate him, but those who do not repent and cannot therefore be forgiven disappear. There is no hell, sinful souls simply disappear.”
Responding to these comments, Viganò asserted, “These heretical ravings are directly opposed to the Catholic Faith, which teaches us that there is a particular Judgment for everyone, which Bergoglio could not escape.” He continued, “His soul has therefore not disappeared, nor has it dissolved: he will have to account for the crimes he has committed, first of all having usurped the throne of Peter in order to destroy the Catholic Church and loose so many souls.”
Viganò warned that although Pope Francis is no longer able to act against the Church, those he appointed remain. “His heirs still remain, the subversives whom he has invalidly created ‘cardinals’ and who have long been organizing themselves to ensure a continuator of the synodal revolution and the destructuring of the Papacy,” he said.
He also criticized conservative Cardinals and Bishops who he said failed to challenge Francis’s legitimacy, arguing that they share responsibility for the outcome of the forthcoming conclave.
Archbishop Viganò’s statement reflects the deep divisions within the global Catholic community that emerged during Pope Francis’s tenure. His commentary arrives as the Vatican prepares to organize the conclave that will elect the next pontiff.
The full text of Viganò’s remarks was shared via his official social media account, accompanied by a reference to Scalfari’s reported interview and a reiteration of his longstanding theological critiques.
I believe Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò. I have listened to him for some years and respect his wisdom and knowledge. Pope Francis’ heirs already know who they will place in the Papacy and it will be destructive. Pray for Catholics who serve our Living God, pray they will read the Bible and understand the true ruler of the Church. KayD
Vigano is a modern day Luther and a honeypot. Saying the right things to tickle people’s ears while spreading calumny and dissension. That statement about souls disappearing, that there is no hell — what is the source ? Nothing but an alleged private conversation that purportedly took place years ago. Vigano is exactly like the pharisees of old.
Agree with Kay on the Archbishop…..also been following him for years…..also agree this conclave they are about to have will be just a show….the Progressive Liberal Cardinals installed for just this purpose will do what they were instructed to do…that is to make sure there is another Progressive, Liberal, Divisive pope installed….it would be refreshing to have an actual Catholic take that seat as God’s representative on Earth….think Our Lord maybe taking a hand in this critical selection for His Church….Praying that will happen.
In cases like this you must search your heart and have some time with God. There have been many people who have either thought their ways were better, thought something was right that ended up being wrong, thought what was wrong was right. We are human. We are fallible. That is one reason why I personally do not believe I must go through a human to get to Christ. He died on the cross for me. In the end we must all follow the convictions of our heart which are, hopefully, informed by the Holy Spirit.