Latina Bishop excommunicates Father Leonardo Pompei for schism

The Bishop of Latina, Mariano Crociata, has announced the excommunication of Father Leonardo Pompei for the crime of schism. The decision follows an extrajudicial penal process conducted by the Diocese under the mandate of the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.

The conflict began in August 2025 when Pompei, the former parish priest of Santa Maria Assunta in Sermoneta, resigned and declared that he was no longer in communion with the local bishop, the Pope, or the hierarchy of the Catholic Church. He also expressed a refusal to follow the liturgy established by the Second Vatican Council.

Prior to the excommunication, Pompei had been suspended from his priestly ministry. This suspension occurred after he violated a direct order from the bishop to cease social media activity and stop organizing meetings with the faithful. Despite these restrictions, he continued to hold online events, including a YouTube live stream.

Under canon law, this excommunication prohibits Pompei from celebrating or receiving the sacraments and from holding any ecclesiastical offices. The case highlights a growing trend of Italian priests challenging ecclesiastical authority or the papacy of Pope Francis.