Pope Leo XIV expels Spanish priest for refusing to recognize him or Francis

Pope Leo XIV has decreed the expulsion of Spanish priest Francisco José Vegara Cerezo from the clerical state due to his persistent refusal to acknowledge Pope Francis, who died in 2025, and now Pope Leo XIV. The Diocese of Orihuela-Alicante announced that the decree, signed April 30, was communicated to Vegara on June 20. This expulsion strips Vegara of clerical rights, dispenses him from celibacy, and prohibits him from performing sacred ministry, except under specific canonical provisions. Previously, in February 2024, the bishop of Orihuela-Alicante had removed Vegara from diocesan duties. Vegara had publicly declared Pope Francis an invalidly elected "false pope," labeling his magisterium "heretical, aberrant, and scandalous." Despite warnings and appeals to cease his public statements and obey precautionary measures, Vegara persisted. His appeal to the Dicastery for the Clergy regarding a diocesan decree deeming him unable to exercise ministry was unsuccessful. Following an article published by Vegara, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith demanded a retraction of his alleged offense against the faith, described as schism. His failure to provide a satisfactory response led to the Pope's decree of expulsion.