Pope Leo XIV Is Cleaning House — These 6 Cardinals Face REMOVAL: “It is with a heavy heart that I must announce…”
In a stunning announcement from Vatican City this week, Pope Leo XIV revealed a major internal shake-up within the leadership of the Catholic Church. In a public address delivered from the Apostolic Palace, the Pope declared that six high-ranking cardinals are facing removal due to a combination of ethical, doctrinal, and administrative concerns.
“It is with a heavy heart that I must announce this difficult but necessary decision,” Pope Leo XIV stated solemnly. “The Church must remain a pillar of integrity and truth. Where there is division, secrecy, or misconduct, we must act decisively.”
This marks the first significant disciplinary action under Pope Leo XIV’s leadership since his election in 2024. Known for his reform-minded vision, Leo XIV has emphasized transparency, accountability, and unity within the global Catholic community. His decision is already being compared to past papal crackdowns, with some Vatican insiders calling it “the boldest purge in decades.”
While the Vatican has not yet released the full details surrounding each case, sources close to the matter revealed that the cardinals involved are under scrutiny for a range of issues, including financial mismanagement, resistance to synodal reforms, and alleged abuse of power in diocesan affairs.
The six cardinals — whose names have not all been officially confirmed — come from various regions, including Europe, South America, and Africa. Some of them were key figures during the previous papacy and are known to have opposed certain doctrinal changes proposed in recent years, particularly those concerning LGBTQ+ inclusion and the role of women in the Church.
Cardinal Matteo Orsini of Milan, long seen as a conservative stalwart, is rumored to be among those facing removal. He has been vocal in his criticism of Pope Leo’s inclusive approach, accusing it of “watering down sacred tradition.” Meanwhile, Cardinal Andrés Velázquez of Buenos Aires is reportedly under investigation for financial irregularities tied to Church charities.
Reactions from the global Catholic community have been mixed. Reformist groups and progressive Catholics have largely praised the move, calling it a “long-overdue cleansing.” On the other hand, traditionalist factions warn that such actions risk deepening divisions within an already fragmented Church.
“This is not a punishment,” Pope Leo XIV insisted. “This is a call to renewal — a painful but essential step toward healing and growth.”
The Pope ended his announcement with a request for prayers for the Church and for those affected by the decision. “Let us not forget,” he said, “that even in judgment, we are called to compassion.”
As the Church enters a new chapter under Pope Leo’s leadership, all eyes will be on how this internal reform shapes the future of Catholicism in the 21st century. Whether these removals will bring unity or controversy remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: change is no longer coming — it is here.