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Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò at the Rome Life Forum on May 18, 2018. Steve Jalsevac / LifeSiteNews

August 29, 2018 (LifeSiteNews) — In just 48 hours, more than 5,500 people signed a petition expressing support for Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, who has testified that Pope Francis and a number of high-ranking cardinals and bishops covered for ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick knowing he was a sex abuser.

Archbishop Viganò is the former apostolic nuncio to the United States.

On August 27, LifeSiteNews published the petition thanking Archbishop Viganò for “courageously” sharing his “painful testimony exposing lies, deceit, and corruption going on in the Vatican.”

The petition says, in part, “We know you have risked your own reputation and perhaps even your safety in going public out of love for the Church and in order to be faithful to Christ.”

“We love you and support you for giving us, the People of God, the truth about our shepherds,” the petition continues. “As you have said before, echoing Christ, only the truth can make the Church free.”  

Viganò's testimony – which names more than 30 high-ranking churchmen who were involved in promoting and/or protecting homosexual clergy – has sent shockwaves throughout the Catholic Church.

Despite being on the receiving end of personal attacks launched by pro-LGBT Catholic clergy and media outlets, Archbishop Viganò is receiving support from a growing number of bishops.

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of Phoenix, Arizona issued a statement Tuesday praising Viganò as “a man of truthfulness, faith and integrity,” who “I have always known and respected.”

Madison, Wisconsin bishop Robert Morlino likewise published a letter vouching for Viganò’s character.

“During his tenure as our Apostolic Nuncio, I came to know Archbishop Viganò both professionally and personally,” Morlino wrote. “And I remain deeply convinced of his honesty, loyalty to and love for the Church, and impeccable integrity.”

On August 29, San Francisco’s Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone said Viganò served with “selfless dedication” during his time as nuncio.

Cordileone also said he can “confirm” that some of the allegations Viganò has made are “true.”

Bishop Carl Kemme from the Diocese of Wichita said he found Archbishop Viganò to be “kind and amiable” and that he “always thought highly” of Viganò’s leadership.

Those who sign LifeSiteNews’ petition promise to pray for Archbishop Viganò:

We stand by you during this time of tribulation and pray fervently that God will protect and guide you in your efforts to serve Him faithfully. May His Angels surround you, may Our Lady wrap you in Her mantle and lead you always in the Way of Her Son.

The petition will be hand-delivered to His Excellency in the near future.

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