News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

World News

Priest excommunicated for referring to Pope Francis as a 'usurper'

by Kelly Valencia
 - Banner image
YouTube screenshot

An Italian priest, Father Ramon Guidetti, has been excommunicated for asserting that Pope Francis is a "Jesuit freemason linked to world powers."

Father Ramon is now prohibited from serving in the Catholic Church after a New Year's address where he drew comparisons between the late Pope Benedict XVI and the current Pontiff, Pope Francis. Father Ramon described Francis as having a "cadaverous gaze into nothingness," in contrast to the "good Benedict".

In response to these remarks, Father Ramon's bishop, Simone Giusti, issued a statement stating that the priest of St Ranieri Church in Guasticce had "publicly committed an act of a schismatic nature" and ordered his suspension. The bishop also cautioned other priests against participating in any of Father Ramon's services, emphasising that doing so would incur "the very serious penalty of excommunication”.

Father Ramon had a history of making similar remarks against Pope Francis. Following his ex-communication, he expressed his calmness but astonishment at the swiftness of the decision. He is apparently unrepentant and remarked to a local radio station, "I am calm, 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 has recently faced criticism from the conservative wing of the Catholic Church after seeming to approve a ruling allowing priests to bless same-sex couples just before Christmas.  The document, known as 'Fiducia Supplicans', said to allow a "brief, spontaneous, pastoral blessing" to those in unmarried and same-sex couples, as long as it does not resemble a marriage ceremony, has caused widespread confusion for catholics around the globe. 

Some have defended the move, saying access to God's love and blessing should be unconditional and should not require an "intimate interrogation" about lifestyle. Others have been more cautious, while many in the church feel it was a step too far that has marked a significant shift in the Catholic Church's stance on such matters.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate