Archbishop Viganò declares Washington DC archbishop a "false shepherd"

Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò (National Catholic Register)

While the United States continues to be rocked with insurrection and sedition by socialists and special interest groups, it is becoming clear that the end goal is to remove President Donald J. Trump from the oval office.

On June 2nd, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump visited the Pope Saint John Paul II National Shrine to pray during this trying time of pandemic, economic stress, and social unrest. Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, newly appointed magistrate of the Archdiocese of Washington D.C., quickly condemned the visit of the President and First Lady.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump pray at the Pope Saint John Paul II National Shrine (LifeSite News)

Implying that President Trump is not welcome to visit the shrine, Archbishop Gregory attacked him for violating the "rights and dignity" of humanity, something that Pope Saint John Paul II championed.

“I find it baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles, which call us to defend the rights of all people even those with whom we might disagree,” said Gregory in a statement during the President's visit to the shrine.

“Saint Pope John Paul II was an ardent defender of the rights and dignity of human beings,” continued Gregory. “His legacy bears vivid witness to that truth. He certainly would not condone the use of tear gas and other deterrents to silence, scatter or intimidate them for a photo opportunity in front of a place of worship and peace.”

Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, the former Papal Nuncio to the United States, who remains in hiding after exposing the sexual abuse and cover-ups by former cardinal Theodore McCarrick and Cardinal Donald Wuerl, issued a statement to LifeSite News, where he accused Archbishop Gregory of being a "false shepherd."

Full letter below.

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.

Unfortunately, the Catholic Church is led by many false pastors. Over the past twenty years, your [Archdiocese] of Washington, in particular and now for the third time, has been and continues to be deeply afflicted and wounded by false shepherds whose way of life is full of lies, deceits, lust and corruption. Wherever they have been, they were a cause of serious scandal for various local Churches, for your entire country and for the whole Church.

Do not follow them, as they lead you to perdition. They are mercenaries. They teach and practice falsehoods and corruption!

Follow with perseverance the teachings and examples of the holy pastors and priests who are among you.

Mary, Mother of the Church, Mother of Mercy, pray and intercede for us with your Son Jesus Christ, so that He may have mercy on all us sinners.

I bless you with all my heart.

+ Carlo Maria Viganò, Archbishop

In Christ Crucified and the Most Victorious Heart of Jesus.