The Vatican excommunicated its former ambassador to Washington, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, on Friday for schism.

Vigano, once supported within the Vatican and U.S. church hierarchies, became a polarizing figure and a critic of Pope Francis, delving into conspiracy theories.

The Vatican’s doctrine office cited Vigano’s refusal to recognize the pope’s authority and his rejection of communion with the church.

Excommunication places him outside the church, preventing him from celebrating or receiving sacraments, the Associated Press has reported.

Unlike defrocking, excommunication is intended as a “medicinal” penalty, hoping for repentance and return to communion.

Schisms, common in the church’s history, are particularly threatening to its unity.

Written by B.C. Begley