During a recent Papal address in St. Peter’s Square, video appears to show a crowd of Catholics openly chanting “Vigano! Vigano!” — the name of an Archbishop who published a shocking letter over the weekend alleging that Pope Francis had a hand in covering up sexual abuse accusations made against former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick.
The mics quickly go dead, but not before the chant concludes.
WATCH:
A priest, who led a number of pilgrims visiting St. Peter’s Square and who are believed to be involved in the chant, told media that his flock was actually chanting “Italo! Italo!,” a chant which can be heard clearly at a different point in the video.
The first clip, which takes place after the Pope recites the “Our Father,” seems to feature the word “Vigano,” not “Italo,” however, and commentators are questioning the official explanation.
According to LifeSiteNews, a source close to the Vatican, after listening carefully, said that what began as “Italo” was soon joined by “Vigano.”
“It is definitely ‘Italo’ at the beginning, but the three last calls are ‘Vigano,’” he said.
Despite attempts by the Catholic left to circle the wagons and characterize Vigano as an embittered conservative out to settle a score with a progressive Pope, the credibility of his accusations appear to hold up to scrutiny — at least, high-ranking prelates have defended Vigano’s character and have openly stated the claims should be investigated.
Monsignor Jean-François Lantheaume, the former first counsellor at the apostolic nunciature in Washington, D.C., stated flatly that Vigano “said the truth” in his letter. Even the head of the U.S. Catholic Bishops Conference will not openly defend Pope Francis.