An Italian priest, Father Ramon Guidetti, faced swift ex-communication after delivering a New Year’s Eve homily at St. Ranieri church in Guasticce, where he referred to Pope Francis as “Mr. Bergoglio” and labeled him an “anti-pope usurper.”
In a video of the more than 20-minute-long homily shared online, Guidetti accused the Argentinian pontiff, formerly known as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, of being “a Jesuit Freemason linked to world powers” and criticized his papacy, contrasting it unfavorably to his predecessor, Benedict XVI.
The priest’s remarks, which included describing Francis as having a “cadaverous gaze into nothingness,” sparked applause from some congregants. However, Bishop Simone Giusti of Livorno swiftly reacted, issuing a decree that condemned Guidetti’s statements as “an act of a schismatic nature.” Consequently, Guidetti was removed from his position as parish priest of St. Ranieri in Guasticce, and other priests were cautioned against participating in his ceremonies under the threat of excommunication.
Despite his ex-communication, Guidetti expressed pride in his stance against what he perceived as church tyranny, stating that being ousted was a point of honor. He vowed to frame the decree and display it as a symbol of his dissent.
This incident highlighted the ongoing tension within the Catholic Church, particularly surrounding Pope Francis’s leadership. His papacy, embraced by progressives for its focus on issues like social inequality, the climate crisis, and refugees, has faced opposition from more conservative factions within the church.
Critics, citing Benedict XVI’s resignation, question the validity of Francis’s appointment. Nevertheless, Pope Francis continues to navigate the church toward a more inclusive direction, exemplified by recent decisions, including permitting priests to bless unmarried and same-sex couples—a notable departure from traditional Catholic doctrine.
Moreover, the pontiff’s health concerns haven’t deterred his commitment. He humorously dismissed rumors about his health, indicating a resilient stance despite challenges.
Father Guidetti’s excommunication serves as a stark illustration of the ideological divide within the Catholic Church and underscores the challenges Pope Francis encounters in steering the church toward a more progressive path while contending with entrenched conservative viewpoints.
