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The Guardian: Pope Francis has dismissed Joseph Strickland, a conservative bishop in Texas and a strong critic of the Pope, particularly rare in the Roman Catholic Church. Strickland, known for his support of former U.S. President Donald Trump and opposition to Francis’ progressive reforms, was 65 years old, a decade away from the usual bishop retirement age. His dismissal followed a Vatican investigation into the Tyler diocese, which he headed, covering aspects like financial management.
Strickland, appointed by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012, has been outspoken against Pope Francis’ efforts to make the Church more inclusive, especially towards the LGBTQ+ community, and to increase laypeople’s involvement in Church matters. His resistance to a Vatican-requested resignation led to this extraordinary measure. The Vatican and the US Bishops Conference announced the dismissal without specifying reasons. Strickland’s response to this development was not immediately known. He had gained a reputation as a leading voice of the ultra-conservative faction within the U.S. Catholic Church.
The Vatican has appointed Joe Vasquez, the Bishop of Austin, Texas, as the interim administrator of the Tyler diocese in the wake of Strickland’s dismissal. This move reflects ongoing tensions within the Church, particularly in the U.S., where political ideology and religious doctrine often intersect controversially.
The entire article can be read at the link https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/12/pope-francis-dismisses-conservative-texas-bishop-and-critic-joseph-strickland
