Pope dismisses outspoken conservative Texas bishop following investigation

Pope Francis has dismissed Bishop Joseph E. Strickland from his role as the leader of the Diocese of Tyler, Texas, following an inquiry initiated by the Vatican. The removal was based on the findings of an apostolic visitation conducted by two bishops, as confirmed in a statement by Cardinal Daniel Nicholas DiNardo, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Galveston-Houston.

The Vatican has confirmed the decision in its own news release issued on Saturday.

The visit was ordered by the Pope and conducted by Bishop Dennis Sullivan of Camden, and Bishop Emeritus Gerald Kicanas of Tucson, according to the statement.

This aerial photo, captured on May 1, 2020, depicts the dome of St Peter's at the Vatican during the country's COVID-19 lockdown. The lockdown was implemented to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The Vatican now allows the baptism of certain transgender individuals and the children of same-sex couples. Strickland, who has been vocal in his criticism of Pope Francis, has challenged his leadership on various platforms, even going as far as daring Francis to dismiss him in a 2020 interview. Strickland has also utilized social media to share anti-vaccine messages during the COVID-19 pandemic and referred to President Joe Biden as an "evil president" due to his stance on abortion rights.

According to CNN, Strickland's response to Biden's victory in the 2020 election was marked by agitation. When the US Conference of Catholic Bishops released a statement congratulating Biden on his win, Strickland expressed his discontent by tweeting, "The alignment of the USCCB and Planned Parenthood in endorsing a Biden-Harris administration that supports abortion throughout all 9 months of pregnancy is deeply troubling for our nation."

Despite being asked to resign, Strickland refused to do so, as stated by DiNardo.

The investigation findings have not been made public, but DiNardo stated that it was not possible for Strickland to remain in his position in Tyler. According to the statement, the Holy Father was recommended that it was not feasible for Bishop Strickland to continue in his office. After months of careful consideration by the Dicastery for Bishops and the Holy Father, it was decided to request Bishop Strickland's resignation. However, when presented with the request on November 9, 2023, Bishop Strickland declined to resign.

On March 19, 2015, in San Francisco, California, a pedestrian is seen crossing the plaza at St. Mary's Cathedral. The Archdiocese of San Francisco has recently apologized to homeless individuals who were subjected to frequent dousings from a sprinkler system while seeking shelter on the cathedral's grounds at night. According to spokesperson Larry Kamer, the sprinklers were installed in four exterior alcoves of St. Mary's Cathedral to discourage people from sleeping there and maintain cleanliness. However, the cathedral authorities were unaware that some individuals were enduring the showers. Kamer explained that the decision to install sprinklers was made two years ago by the cathedral's former rector due to issues with drug paraphernalia, waste, and other litter on the premises. The situation has now prompted the Archdiocese of San Francisco to issue an apology for the unintended consequences of their actions. The image provided captures the essence of the plaza at St. Mary's Cathedral where the incident occurred. (Source: REUTERS/Robert Galbraith)

Robert Galbraith/Reuters

San Francisco Archdiocese files for bankruptcy as it faces more than 500 sexual abuse lawsuits

Bishop Joe Vásquez of Austin has been named the "apostolic administrator" of the Tyler diocese, as stated in the Archdiocese's announcement regarding the removal of Strickland. CNN has not been able to contact Strickland for a comment.