Pope Francis Removes Conservative Texas Bishop Joseph Strickland

Pope Francis has removed one of the most controversial bishops in the US, relieving Tyler, Texas Bishop Joseph Strickland of his post. Strickland had become the symbol of the polarization of the US Catholic hierarchy, which has been divided between reformists loyal to the pope and traditionalists led by personalities like Strickland.

Vatican News released a report on Strickland's removal, stating that "The decision came after an apostolic visitation ordered by the Pope last June in the Diocese of Tyler, which was entrusted to two US bishops, Bishop Dennis Sullivan of Camden, and Bishop Emeritus Gerald Kicanas of Tucson."

It was noted that Bishop Dennis Sullivan of Camden and Bishop Emeritus Gerald Kicanas of Tucson "conducted an exhaustive inquiry into all aspects of the governance and leadership of the Diocese of Tyler by its Ordinary, Bishop Joseph Strickland."

It was them who recommended to Pope Francis that "the continuation in office of Bishop Strickland was not feasible." However, it took several months of "careful consideration by the Dicastery for Bishops and the Holy Father" for them to ask for his resignation. After the resignation request was made, Bishop Strickland refused to voluntarily resign, forcing the Pontiff to remove him.

"Pending more permanent arrangements for the Diocese of Tyler," Cardinal Daniel Nicholas DiNardo of Houston, Texas told Vatican News. "The Holy Father has, at the same time, appointed Bishop Joe Vasquez, Bishop of Austin, as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Tyler."

Tyler, Texas Bishop Joseph Strickland Was a Vocal Critic of Pope Francis's Reforms

The 65-year-old now-former Bishop of Tyler was Pope Francis's loudest critic in the US, according to CBS News. He accused the Argentina-born Pope of "undermining the deposit of faith" with his recent reforms.

Strickland spoke in an interview with a conservative website, LifeSiteNews. There, he claimed that he was ousted from his position for refusing to implement Francis' 2021 restrictions on celebrating the old Latin Mass.

The pope had been cracking down on old liturgy, and it had become a rallying cry for critics like Strickland. In the interview, he stated that he refused to implement the restrictions "because I can't starve out part of my flock."

Even though he had been ousted from his position, he stated that he would do it again, adding, "I feel very much at peace in the Lord and the truth that he died for."

Pope Francis Calls for More Aid To Gaza, Says Enough of Conflict

While Pope Francis is dealing with conservatives in the US, he is also calling for peace in the Middle East as the Israel-Hamas war continues to rage.

"Enough, enough brothers, enough," the Pontiff stated, urging both sides to move for peace. He also called for "much more" humanitarian aid for Gaza during his weekly Angelus prayers at St. Peter's Square. He noted that "arms would never bring peace" and added that the conflict must not spread.

"I am close to all those who suffer, Palestinians and Israelis," he added, stating that he is praying for both sides.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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