In a significant development, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, the former papal nuncio to the United States, has been charged by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith with the canonical crime of schism. The charges were brought after an extrajudicial process, authorized by the congresso of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith's members on May 10.

According to the citation dated June 11, the senior membership of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith voted to proceed with an abbreviated extrajudicial process against Viganò. He has been ordered to appear at the dicastery in Rome on June 20 to answer the charges of schism, either in person or through formal legal representation.

The charge of schism, as defined by canon law, refers to the refusal of submission to the Supreme Pontiff or of communion with the members of the Church subject to him. The decree of citation accuses Viganò of making public statements that deny the elements necessary to maintain communion with the Catholic Church, including denying the legitimacy of Pope Francis, breaking communion with him, and rejecting the Vatican Council II.

The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith has the authority to judge cases of crimes against the faith, serious crimes against morals and the sacraments, and can also judge individuals who would otherwise be subject only to the Bishop of Rome, such as cardinals, patriarchs, papal legates, and bishops.

Viganò, known for his criticism of Pope Francis and Vatican Council II, responded to the citation on June 20, calling it a "badge of honor." In a lengthy statement, he questioned the legitimacy of Pope Francis and his adherence to Vatican Council II, describing it as a "cancer." Viganò has been an outspoken supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin as well.

The citation serves as Viganò's opportunity to inspect the evidence against him, following the canonical procedure for an extrajudicial process. An extrajudicial process, different from an extralegal process, is an abbreviated disciplinary procedure that can be employed when the evidence gathered during a formal preliminary investigation is clear enough to not warrant a full canonical trial.

If found guilty of schism, Viganò may face the penalty of latae sententiae excommunication, along with potential additional penalties such as a prohibition on his place of residence, removal from ecclesiastical office, and a prohibition on the exercise of ministry. Although ordinarily loss of the clerical state is not imposed for schism, it can be imposed if the offender is judged to be obstinate in their crime or if the gravity of scandal demands it.

Viganò's response seemed to affirm the substance of the charges against him, indicating that he supports the theses he has previously put forth. The archbishop has been given the option to either appear in Rome as directed on June 20 or send a duly appointed canon lawyer. If he chooses not to do so, a canonist will be assigned to defend him by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.

Archbishop Viganò, who left his office in 2016, has become a vocal critic of the Church and hierarchy following the Theodore McCarrick scandal in 2018. He has also been known for his support of former President Donald Trump and his recent controversial statements on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

As the date for Viganò's hearing approaches, many will be watching closely to see how this case unfolds and what implications it may have for the Vatican and the broader Catholic Church.