Pope Francis on Saturday dismissed US bishop Joseph Strickland, a prominent conservative who has repeatedly criticised his papacy, following concerns over his leadership and governance. The Vatican did not explain the move, a rare sacking in the Catholic Church where troublesome senior clerics are normally encouraged — or told — to resign....CONTINUE READING
But a US cardinal said it was linked to an inquiry ordered by Francis into “all aspects of governance and leadership” of Strickland’s Tyler diocese in Texas.
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, also of Texas, said the so-called apostolic visitation in June reported back that it was “not feasible” that the bishop stay in office.
He revealed that Strickland, 65, had been asked on Thursday to resign, but refused — prompting Francis to step in.
“The Holy Father has relieved from the pastoral governance of the diocese of Tyler (US) Joseph E. Strickland,” the Vatican said in a statement.
It said the bishop of Austin, Joe Vasquez, had been named as apostolic administrator of the diocese, but gave no further details.
– ‘Reactionary attitude’ –
Strickland was appointed by Benedict XVI in 2012, and became one of the most prominent critics of his successor, Pope Francis.
The Argentine pope, 86, has sought since taking office 10 years ago to forge a more compassionate Church, open to different views.
But he has faced intense opposition from critics — particularly in the United States — who accuse him of causing confusion and failing to uphold key Catholic beliefs.
In a message earlier this year on X, formerly Twitter, Strickland said that while he recognised Francis as the pope, “I reject his programme of undermining the deposit of faith”.
Many of Francis’ critics complain he is not outspoken enough on abortion and too compassionate towards homosexuals and divorcees.
He in turn lamented earlier this year the “strong reactionary attitude” of some Catholics in the US, who he said do not understand the “evolution in the understanding of matters of faith and morals”.
– ‘Speak His truth’ –
The Vatican has not commented on its inquiry into the Texas diocese, but Strickland previously said that two US bishops spent a week conducting interviews — including with him — about the situation there.
In a blog post in September, he addressed rumours that he would be asked to leave voluntarily.
“I cannot resign as bishop of Tyler because that would be me abandoning the flock” under his care, he wrote.
“I have also said that I will respect the authority of Pope Francis if he removes me from office as Bishop of Tyler.”
He added that he loved Jesus Christ and the Church, and “my only desire is to speak His truth and live God’s will to the best of my ability.”
Commentators say it is extremely rare for a bishop to be directly relieved of their position — but not unprecedented.
Francis dismissed a bishop in Puerto Rico, Daniel Fernandez Torres, in similar fashion in March 2022, with the Vatican again giving no reason.
Torres claimed he had been told he had not been “obedient” to the pope and did not have sufficiently good relationships with fellow bishops.
Media reports at the time noted he had supported those who refused compulsory coronavirus vaccinations.
In a statement published on Saturday, Cardinal DiNardo, who is also Archbishop of Galveston-Houston in Texas, explained the process with Strickland.
After the visit to the Tyler diocese, “the recommendation was made to the Holy Father that the continuation in office of Bishop Strickland was not feasible”, he said.
The decision to ask Strickland to resign — and ultimately dismiss him — followed “months of careful consideration”, he added.
There are more than 120,000 Catholics in the diocese of Tyler, out of a total population of more than 1.4 million people, according to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Vatican Defends Its Same-Sex Blessings, Suggests ‘Prudence’
On Thursday, the Vatican stood by its recent document, saying it was “clear and definitive about marriage and sexuality.”
By Channels Television
Updated January 4, 2024
The Vatican sought on Thursday to clarify the Catholic Church’s recent approval of blessings for same-sex couples, denying it had strayed from doctrine while urging “prudence” in certain countries.
The clarification by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith came after an outcry by certain bishops, particularly in Africa, over its recent declaration authorising priests to bless “irregular” and same-sex couples under certain circumstances.
That document, published in December, was interpreted by some conservative Catholics, particularly in Africa, as back-tracking on the issues of gay marriage and homosexuality, both of which the Church opposes.
But on Thursday, the Vatican stood by its recent document, saying it was “clear and definitive about marriage and sexuality.”
“There is no room to distance ourselves doctrinally from this Declaration or to consider it heretical, contrary to the Tradition of the Church or blasphemous,” the Dicastery wrote.
The original declaration cautioned that priests could only perform blessings for same-sex couples, divorcées, or unmarried couples in “non-ritualised” contexts, and never in relation to weddings or civil unions.
Opposition to the Vatican’s recent move has been particularly strong in Malawi, Nigeria and Zambia, as well as in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Various bishop’s conferences around the world had expressed “understandable” reactions to the move, “highlighting the need for a more extended period of pastoral reflection,” the Dicastery said.
It noted that in certain circumstances, the blessing of same-sex couples would be inappropriate.
“If there are laws that condemn the mere act of declaring oneself as a homosexual with prison and in some cases with torture and even death, it goes without saying that a blessing would be imprudent,” said the Dicastery.
It urged “prudence and attention to the ecclesial context and to the local culture” in applying the measure.
Without singling out countries, it said that in several, “there are strong cultural and even legal issues that require time and pastoral strategies that go beyond the short term.”
Since his election in 2013, 87-year-old Pope Francis has insisted on opening the doors of the Church to all its faithful, including the homosexual and LGBTQ communities.
But his efforts have met with strong resistance among its traditional and conservative fringe.
