Overview

• Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò has been excommunicated for refusing to recognize Pope Francis' authority.
• The Vatican's doctrine office cited Viganò's rejection of the Second Vatican Council's legitimacy.
• Viganò, a former Vatican ambassador to the U.S., has been a vocal critic of Pope Francis and promoter of conspiracy theories.
• His actions and statements have created a significant rift within the Catholic Church.
• Excommunication means Viganò is formally outside the church and cannot participate in its sacraments.