Clemente Domínguez y Gómez

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Gregorio XVII

Clemente Domínguez y Gómez (23 May 1946 – 22 March 2005) was a Spanish self-proclaimed mystic and the founder of the Palmarian Catholic Church, a small religious group that split from the Roman Catholic Church following the Second Vatican Council. Domínguez claimed to have visions of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary, leading him to declare himself Pope Gregory XVII in 1978, following the death of Pope Paul VI, whom he claimed had secretly designated him as his successor.

Early Life

Clemente Domínguez y Gómez was born in Seville, Spain. Little is known about his early life before he became involved in religious activities. In the 1960s, he became associated with traditionalist Catholic groups that were opposed to the reforms of the Second Vatican Council.

Visions and Religious Claims

In 1968, Domínguez reported his first visions while on a pilgrimage to Fátima, Portugal. These visions included messages from the Virgin Mary, urging a return to traditional Catholic practices and warning of impending doom for the church and the world if her messages were not heeded.

In the early 1970s, Domínguez and his close associate, Manuel Alonso Corral, established the Palmarian Christian Church, which later became known as the Palmarian Catholic Church. The church declared its independence from the Roman Catholic Church, citing the latter's alleged apostasy and corruption.

Papacy

After claiming that Pope Paul VI had secretly consecrated him a bishop and named him as his successor, Domínguez declared himself Pope Gregory XVII on 6 August 1978. He led the Palmarian Catholic Church from its headquarters in El Palmar de Troya, Spain, where he also claimed to have had visions of the Holy See being relocated due to the apostasy of the Vatican.

Under his leadership, the Palmarian Catholic Church developed a strict set of doctrines and practices, including the rejection of the Second Vatican Council and the excommunication of those who opposed his teachings. Domínguez also canonized several saints, including Francisco Franco and Christopher Columbus, which further alienated his church from mainstream Catholicism.

Controversies

Domínguez's claims of mystical experiences and divine appointment were met with skepticism and outright rejection by the Roman Catholic Church. His papacy and the Palmarian Catholic Church were considered schismatic and heretical by traditional Catholic authorities.

In addition to doctrinal controversies, Domínguez's leadership was marked by allegations of financial mismanagement and scandal. Despite these challenges, he maintained a small but dedicated following until his death in 2005.

Death and Legacy

Clemente Domínguez y Gómez died on 22 March 2005. After his death, the Palmarian Catholic Church continued under the leadership of his successors, although it has remained isolated from the wider Christian community.

Domínguez's life and the establishment of the Palmarian Catholic Church are often cited as examples of the complexities and challenges within modern religious movements, especially those arising from claims of private revelation and the establishment of new religious communities.