"(Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony's) diocesan spokesman Tod Tamberg declared: “Mel Gibson is not a Roman Catholic and is not subject to the canons of Catholic law.”
And he added tersely: “Repeat – he’s not a Roman Catholic and is not subject to our process regarding marriage and annulment.”
Devout Gibson, 53, has adopted a traditional or “Old -Roman” form of the faith.
This includes the celebration of the Tridentine Mass in its original Latin format.
Followers are not recognised by the modern church. Gibson’s friends are furious over Cardinal Mahony’s public attack.
One said yesterday: “It’s like taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut or, in this case, pointing the finger of God at a famous guy who is an easy target.”
Mel’s wife Robyn, 52, filed for divorce last week.
