Italian Priest Expelled For Referring To Francis As An 'Anti-Pope Usurper'
An Italian priest expelled for referring to Francis as an 'anti-pope usurper.' Father Ramon Guidetti delivered the controversial speech at St. Ranieri Church in Guasticce, a village in the Tuscan province of Livorno, as a tribute to the first anniversary of the death of Francis's predecessor, Benedict XVI.
Bernard HorneJan 04, 202412489 Shares171078 Views
An Italian priest expelled for referring to Francis as an 'anti-popeusurper.'Father Ramon Guidetti delivered the controversial speech at St. Ranieri Churchin Guasticce, a village in the Tuscan province of Livorno, as a tribute to the first anniversary of the death of Francis's predecessor, Benedict XVI.
In a video circulating online, Guidetti referred to the Argentinian pontiff, formerly known as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, as simply "Mr. Bergoglio." He went on to describe Francis as "a Jesuit Freemason linked to world powers, an anti-pope usurper." The priest also commented on Francis's appearance, stating that he had a "cadaverous gaze, into nothingness," in contrast to the favorable remarks he made about "good Benedict."
Despite receiving applause from some members of his congregation, Father Ramon Guidetti faced swift consequences for his controversial remarks. Simone Giusti, the bishop of Livorno, promptly issued a decree declaring that Guidetti had "publicly committed an act of a schismatic nature."
As a result, Guidetti was ordered to be "removed from the office of parish priest of St Ranieri in Guasticce." The bishop also cautioned other priests against participating in Guidetti's activities, emphasizing that doing so would lead to "the very serious penalty of excommunication."
Guidetti, who had a historyof expressing anti-Francis sentiments, expressed pride in his excommunication, stating that it served as a "mark of pride to be out of this church, which is a tyranny."
"I am calm," he told Radio Domina Nostra, a radio show hosted by Alessandro Minutella, another priest who was excommunicated after attacking Pope Francis. "But astonished at the speed at which the guillotine came down. I will frame the decree and hang it on the wall - it will be something I will boast about."
Pope Francis ascended to the papacy in March 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict. While his papacy has been warmly embraced by progressives, it has also been marked by clashes with a conservative faction within the church.
This faction disapproves of the attention Francis has devoted to issues such as social inequality, the climate crisis, and refugees. In a notable shift for the Catholic church, Francis approved a ruling in December permitting priests to bless unmarried and same-sexcouples.
Conclusion
Some critics of the pontiff argue that his appointment was invalid due to Benedict's resignation. Francis has faced health challenges in recent years and has hinted at the possibility of his future resignation. Addressing his health in a September interview, he humorously remarked, "Still alive … although some want me dead."
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