Throughout history, there have been famous figures whose disagreements with the Catholic Church went beyond mere differences of opinion. Whether it was their defiance of Church doctrine, political ambitions, or personal controversies, these public figures didn’t just face criticism—they were excommunicated. From kings and revolutionaries to pop culture icons, the clergy handed them down the ultimate punishment (at least on Earth, if we're leaving hell out of it), with lasting personal and public consequences.
But the Catholic Church’s power to exclude isn’t just a thing of the past. Even today, the Church occasionally issues these dramatic proclamations. Curious about who’s been caught up in it? Click on to find out.