Pope Francis has taken the rare step of relieving Bishop Joseph Strickland of his duties as head of the Diocese of Tyler, due to concerns about his governance of the diocese. The decision comes after an investigation was launched into Strickland’s leadership, prompted by reports of unorthodox claims and criticisms of Pope Francis and his priorities. Strickland had maintained that he had a mandate to serve from the late Pope Benedict XVI, but the Vatican has deemed his continued leadership detrimental to the diocese and the church.
Strickland has been a vocal critic of Pope Francis, accusing him of undermining the deposit of faith and rejecting the notion of progressive changes within the church. He has also been critical of recent meetings and discussions on the future of the Catholic Church, calling them a “travesty” and claiming that those who propose changes to the church’s teaching are the true schismatics. The Vatican, on the other hand, has taken a more inclusive approach, considering issues such as the role of women in governance and the welcoming of LGBTQ+ Catholics.
Pope Francis (Via Pope Francis/Twitter)
The removal of Strickland from office is significant, as bishops typically offer to resign when they reach 75. However, in cases where governance issues or other problems arise, the Vatican may pressure the bishop to step down for the greater good of the diocese and the church. This move is likely to be seen as a victory for Pope Francis and his supporters, but it may also cause anxiety among those who are concerned about the direction of the Catholic Church.
The exact reasons for Strickland’s removal remain unclear, as the investigation’s findings have not been made public. Nevertheless, it is evident that his criticism of Pope Francis and his priorities was a significant factor in the Vatican’s decision. The move serves as a reminder that the Catholic Church remains a hierarchical institution, and that the authority of the pope and the Vatican is ultimately supreme.
