“He’s been covering up for people who are child m*lestors”: Mel Gibson Has a Serious Allegation Against Pope Francis and the Vatican

Mel Gibson is an acclaimed actor and director, known for several blockbusters like Braveheart and Mad Max. Gibson has never shied away from being opinionated and expressive, no matter how controversial his views might sound to the general public.

Mel Gibson as Chris Cringle in a still from Fatman | Saban Films
He’s been a devout Catholic with traditional values, and the relationship he shares with the Church has been a source of inspiration to many, as well as a topic of outspoken criticism for him. Recently, the actor has gone on record and spoken about the church once again, agreeing with figures like Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò.

Mel Gibson’s revelations on The Joe Rogan Experience

Mel Gibson on The Joe Rogan Experience | PowerfulJRE / YouTube
During his conversation on The Joe Rogan Experience, Mel Gibson didn’t hold back while criticizing the Vatican, and particularly, Pope Francis. When the two discussed corruption in the church, the Lethal Weapon fame’s response was candid and somewhat unsettling to many.

You know when they appoint some cardinal, some diocese and he’s been covering up for like people who are child m*lesters. You know, like Theodore McCarrick or Cardinal Wuerl, those kinds of guys, I mean.

Here, he was referencing high-profile cases like the ones that involved Theodore McCarrick and Cardinal Wuerl. As per reports, allegations of s*xual misconduct against McCarrick were known but even after the scandal, he wasn’t stopped by Wuerl from making public appearances (via AP News).

Rogan then questioned if the Pope himself was involved, to which Gibson said, “Yes, absolutely!” He asserted that the institution was now flawed, and had moved away from what it originally stood for.

Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò and Mel Gibson’s beliefs align

Mel Gibson in Monster Summer (2024) | Pastime Pictures
Moreover, Mel Gibson’s beliefs also aligned with Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò’s sentiments, who is a controversial figure in Catholic circles. In his conversation with Rogan, the actor referenced Viganò saying:

It isn’t what it purports to be anymore, it’s moved away from what it was intended to be and what it is. There’s a guy called Bishop Viganò who says it’s a counterfeit parallel church and it’s running an entirely different religion.

The former Vatican diplomat received worldwide attention after he published an open letter that alleged a cover-up of s*xual abuse within the Church. He accused Pope Francis along with several high-ranking officials (via Britannica).

His claims divided the Catholic community and some hailed him as an honest whistleblower while others dismissed him, stating that he was simply part of a conspiracy. By agreeing with Viganò, Gibson has proved that he is not just a blind devout, but also a fierce critic of the institution that he holds dear.