Clemente Domínguez y Gómez

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Clemente Domínguez y Gómez

Name	Clemente Domínguez y Gómez
Birth name
Birth date	23 May 1946
Birth place	Seville, Spain
Death date	22 March 2005
Death place	El Palmar de Troya, Spain
Alma mater
Occupation
Years active
Organization
Known for	Founder of the Palmarian Catholic Church
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Clemente Domínguez y Gómez (23 May 1946 – 22 March 2005) was a Spanish religious leader who founded the Palmarian Catholic Church, a schismatic sect that claims to be the true Catholic Church. He was known for his alleged mystical experiences and self-proclaimed papacy as "Pope Gregory XVII."

Early Life

Clemente Domínguez y Gómez was born in Seville, Spain, on 23 May 1946. Little is known about his early life, but he worked as an insurance broker before becoming involved in religious activities.

Mystical Experiences

In the late 1960s, Domínguez claimed to have experienced a series of Marian apparitions in El Palmar de Troya, a small village near Seville. These apparitions were said to be messages from the Virgin Mary, urging the faithful to return to traditional Catholic values and warning of impending chastisements.

Foundation of the Palmarian Catholic Church

In 1975, following a series of visions, Domínguez declared himself the true pope, taking the name Gregory XVII. He claimed that Pope Paul VI had been replaced by an impostor and that the Holy See had been transferred to El Palmar de Troya. This led to the establishment of the Palmarian Catholic Church, which considers itself the legitimate continuation of the Catholic Church.

Papacy and Teachings

As "Pope Gregory XVII," Domínguez implemented numerous changes to the liturgy and doctrine of the Palmarian Church. He introduced a new liturgical calendar, revised the Mass, and declared several new dogmas. His teachings emphasized strict adherence to traditional Catholic practices and a rejection of the reforms of the Second Vatican Council.

Controversies

Domínguez's claims and actions were met with skepticism and criticism from the Roman Catholic Church and other religious groups. His self-proclaimed papacy and the establishment of a separate church were seen as schismatic. Additionally, reports of authoritarian practices and financial exploitation within the Palmarian Church have been sources of controversy.

Death and Legacy

Clemente Domínguez y Gómez died on 22 March 2005 in El Palmar de Troya. His death marked the end of his controversial leadership, but the Palmarian Catholic Church continues to exist, albeit with a small following. His successor, Manuel Alonso Corral, took the name "Pope Peter II."

Also see

• Palmarian Catholic Church
• Marian apparitions
• Schism (religion)
• Second Vatican Council
• Pope Paul VI