(ZENIT News / San Antonio, 08.14.2026).- On Friday, August 14, Gustavo García Siller, the bishop of San Antonio, Texas, announced the results of a ruling by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith regarding former Catholic priest John Mary Foster. The full text of the statement is provided below:
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My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that John Mary Foster, a priest incardinated into the Archdiocese of San Antonio on November 22, 2009, has been found guilty of schism, a crime against the faith for his refusal of submission to the Roman Pontiff. A judicial process authorized by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith was conducted by a tribunal of independent doctors of canon law appointed to adjudicate this matter. The sentence of this tribunal was pronounced on April 20, 2026, finding John Mary Foster guilty of the crime of schism, declaring the latae sententiae excommunication, and removing him from the clerical state.
One of the key marks of the Catholic Church is its Apostolic nature. We trace the succession of our bishops to the Apostles and to Saint Peter. To be Catholic is to be in communion with the pope, the bishop of Rome and the successor of Saint Peter, and with the college of bishops in communion with him.
Throughout the history of the Church, those who sever ties from this sacred communion often profess to remain in communion with the true Church, even as they deny the successors to Peter and the Apostles, with whom they disagree. History has shown that these schisms, often initiated by charismatic leaders and based in politics, heresy, or poorly executed attempts at reform, always result in splintered communities who find themselves no longer in communion with the Catholic Church. Sadly, this is the case with John Mary Foster and any who choose to follow him out of the Catholic Church.
The trial of John Mary Foster began on April 10, 2025, the appointment of tribunal officials which included a college of three (3) judges, a notary, promoter of justice, and an advocate for John Mary Foster. The judges were priests with doctorates in canon law and whose regular ministry is independent of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. This tribunal spent more than a year receiving evidence in the case, such as the statements, homilies, and teachings of John Mary Foster, hearing testimony from witnesses, and reviewing the actions of the accused. After careful examination of the evidence, prayerful discernment, and having reached moral certitude that Foster was guilty of the delict of schism, a sentence was pronounced by the tribunal dismissing John Mary Foster from the clerical state and declaring his excommunication. The Dicastery of the Doctrine of the Faith was notified of the outcome and have acknowledged the judicial authority of the Tribunal to render such a sentence. It was the decision of Foster not to exercise his right of appeal to the Vatican.
Therefore, the Archdiocese of San Antonio, by this public notice, announces that the former Reverend John Mary Foster has been returned to the lay state. He no longer possesses faculties, or the authority to celebrate the sacraments, with the exception of those circumstances mentioned in can. 976 and 986 §2 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law.
Mr. Foster has chosen to reject the Magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church by his words and actions. He has publicly referred to Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV as “usurpers”. ln publishing messages allegedly received from God, Jesus, and the Blessed Mother by a member of the Mission of Divine Mercy, for which John Mary Foster serves as the de facto leader, he has repeatedly and consistently claimed that Pope Leo XIV “is also a usurper and not a true pope“.
Despite being offered countless opportunities to repent and to cease his schismatic actions and teachings, Mr. Foster has chosen the path of disobedience. I have prohibited him from publicly celebrating Mass, yet he continues to do so. When he does, he intentionally omits the name of Pope Leo XIV, as he did with Pope Francis, from the Eucharistic Prayer. In doing so, he publicly manifests his separation with the Church and the successor of Saint Peter.
To you, the faithful people of God, in my fraternal care for you as your shepherd, I encourage you to guard your heart and mind against those who seek to separate you from the Catholic Church. For your protection, I hereby declare that participating in the activities and illicit liturgies celebrated by John Mary Foster, or at the Mission of Divine Mercy is a formal act of disobedience. Therefore, I prohibit all Catholics from attending any Mass or any liturgical activity or event sponsored by Mr. Foster or anyone at the Mission of Divine Mercy.
As Ordinary of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, I also urge Catholics to stop all financial contributions and support to Mr. Foster and the Mission of Divine Mercy. Such financial support would offer him the opportunity to continue to undermine the mission of the Roman Catholic Church entrusted to us by Christ.
Join me in praying for John Mary Foster, that he will repent and seek reconciliation with the Roman Catholic Church and be able to once again receive the sacraments of the Church.
Given this 14th day of August 2026, at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Ministry Center, San Antonio, Texas.
Most Reverend Gustavo García-Siller, M.Sp.S.
Archbishop of San Antonio
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