The priest who called Pope Francis an “anti-papal usurper” and a Jesuit Freemason was fired

An Italian priest spoke unflatteringly about the pontiff on the Internet

An Italian priest has been suspended after calling Pope Francis an “anti-papal usurper” in his New Year’s sermon.

Father Ramon Guidetti’s speech to the parishioners of the Church of San Ranieri in Guasticce, a village in the Tuscan province of Livorno, marked the first anniversary of the death of Francis’ predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI.

In a video of the sermon, which lasted more than 20 minutes and was published online, Guidetti calls the Argentine pontiff, whose former name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, simply “Signor Bergoglio,” before describing him as a “Jesuit Freemason, linked to world powers, anti-papal usurper “

Guidetti went on to say that Francis has a “dead gaze, staring into emptiness,” in contrast to the “good Benedict.”

Some of his congregation reportedly applauded him. However, his excommunication followed quickly, writes The Guardian. Simone Giusti, Bishop of Livorno, issued a decree stating that Guidetti had “committed in public an act of a schismatic nature” and ordered his “removal from his position as parish priest of St. Ranieri in Guasticce.” The bishop warned other priests “not to participate in any of his celebrations or other cultic practices,” as this would entail “the very serious penalty of excommunication.”

Guidetti, who was known locally for his previous statements against Francis, said he was proud to be excommunicated, adding that it was “a badge of pride to be outside this church, which is a tyranny.”

“I am calm,” he told Radio Domina Nostra, a radio show hosted by Alessandro Minutella, another priest who was excommunicated after the attack on Pope Francis. “But I was amazed at the speed with which the guillotine came down. I will frame the decree and hang it on the wall – it will be something I will brag about.”

Francis was elected pope after Benedict’s resignation in March 2013, The Guardian recalls.

His papacy has been supported by progressives, but Francis has endured battles with a deeply conservative faction of the church that is irritated by the attention he has given to issues such as social inequality, the climate crisis and refugees. In December, he approved a ruling allowing priests to bless unmarried and same-sex couples, a significant change in the Catholic Church’s position.

Some of the pontiff’s detractors believe that his appointment was invalid due to the resignation of Benedict XVI.

Francis has suffered from poor health in recent years and has often hinted at his future retirement. When asked about his health in an interview in September, he quipped: “Still alive… although some people want me dead.”