Viganò speaks from hiding, calls Archbishop false shepherd

This afternoon, I read a message Archbishop Viganò sent to the faithful of the Archdiocese of Washington D.C.  Even if the content of the message is true, it is out of line for a prelate to openly address the faithful of the diocese of another.  He is sticking his nose where it does not belong.

I have never mentioned Viganò in my blog, but I decided to do so today.  He has rightly been critical of McCarrick and other American bishops, yet many forget that the one person in the United States who could have taken action against McCarrick years ago was Viganò.  He was the Nuncio, he was the representative of Pope Benedict and Pope Francis while McCarrick was Cardinal of Washington.  Why did he not act then?  He had doubts and reservations then.  I find this all very bizarre.  It is as if a general who had the power to move his troops wherever he wished, years later complained that nobody moved the troops from point A to point B while he was in charge of the troops.

Viganò makes a serious accusation against Archbishop Wilton Gregory by calling him a false shepherd.  We have clear evidence to call Theodore McCarrick a false shepherd, but why call the current Archbishop a false shepherd?  At a time when many are calling for unity and understanding within the Church and society,  Viganò’s statement will add wood to the fire.

Here is the message:

Grace and Peace are always with you, in Jesus Christ, our only Lord. Although I am no longer among you in Washington D.C. as Apostolic Nuncio, I feel particularly united to all of you in this time of so grave moral and physical trials with which you are afflicted, and I wish to send you the sentiments of my deepest affection in Christ.