Pope Leo's praise of alleged pedophile priest draws fresh criticism from Abp. Viganò - LifeSite

Fri Jul 31, 2026 - 9:06 am EDTFri Jul 31, 2026 - 11:32 am EDT Editor’s note: Some of the expressions used in this article are disturbing. Reader discretion advised. (LifeSiteNews) — Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò has accused leaders of the “Synodal Church” of deliberately advancing the normalization of sodomy through LGBT initiatives, warning that the process is intended to transform Catholic doctrine and practice. On July 25, Viganò published a statement on X in response to a pro-LGBT pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy, arguing that the “Synodal Church” is following a deliberate agenda to normalize homosexual behavior within the Catholic Church. The former apostolic nuncio to the U.S. claimed that “sacrilegious Masses and pilgrimages” are being authorized as part of a broader effort to reshape Catholic teaching on sexuality, the priesthood, and sainthood. READ: Fr. James Martin to lead ‘LGBTQ Catholic history’ pilgrimage this fall “The adherents of the Synodal …