In a rare move, Pope Francis has removed Bishop Joseph Strickland, a prominent conservative critic within the US Roman Catholic Church, from his position in Texas. The Vatican announced the dismissal, highlighting the unusual step of directly relieving a bishop of duties rather than seeking resignation. Strickland, known for his strong conservative stance and support for former US President Donald Trump, has been a vocal critic of Pope Francis, particularly in matters related to the LGBTQ+ community and the pope’s efforts to empower laypeople within the church.
Uncommon Dismissal Raises Eyebrows
Typically, bishops facing issues with the Vatican are asked to resign before their resignation is accepted by the pope. Strickland, however, had expressed his unwillingness to resign if requested. The pope’s decision to dismiss a bishop outright is considered a drastic measure and is only taken when a bishop refuses to resign.
Strickland’s Controversial Views and Criticisms
Joseph Strickland, appointed by the late Pope Benedict XVI in 2012, has been an active user of social media to express his views. Earlier this year, he publicly rejected Pope Francis’ initiatives, accusing the pontiff of undermining the Deposit of Faith. Strickland’s criticism extended to the pope’s attempts to make the Catholic Church more inclusive to the LGBTQ+ community and to involve laypeople in church affairs, including a recent synod.
Financial Affairs Scrutinized
The dismissal follows a Vatican investigation into the administration of the Tyler diocese in Texas, which Strickland oversees. Reports suggest that the inquiry included a review of Strickland’s handling of financial matters. The Vatican and the US Bishops Conference simultaneously announced the dismissal, providing no detailed reasons for the decision.
Strickland’s National Influence and Support for Trump
At 65, Strickland is a significant figure in the ultra-conservative wing of the US Catholic Church, transcending the confines of the small Tyler diocese in eastern Texas. A fervent supporter of Donald Trump, Strickland is regarded as a hero by conservative US Catholic media outlets aligned with the former president.
Vatican Appoints Interim Administrator
Following Strickland’s dismissal, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Joe Vasquez of Austin, Texas, as the interim administrator of the Tyler diocese. The move is expected to have reverberations within the US Catholic Church, where ideological differences and internal tensions have been increasingly evident.
By Reuters
