Topline
Pope Francis disregarded Bishop Joseph Strickland, who oversees the diocese of Tyler, Texas, and has been considered one of his maximum outspoken critics, the Vatican announced Saturday — an extraordinary transfer that underscores the divisions within the U.S. flank of the church.
Key Facts
Strickland were requested to surrender — as is the standard plan of action when the church desires to oust and change a bishop — however he refused, main the pope to take away him forcibly, the Vatican mentioned in a statement.
The Vatican mentioned his dismissal got here after an investigation “into all aspects of the governance and leadership” in his diocese.
No legitimate reason why has been equipped for his dismissal at the moment.
The Vatican appointed Bishop Joe Vásquez of Austin to function apostolic administrator and organize the diocese whilst a substitute bishop is sought.
Strickland is 65 years previous, 10 years more youthful than the standard age of retirement for bishops.
Key Background
Strickland, a firebrand conservative, has been vocal about his opposition to Pope Francis, specifically the pope’s efforts to make the church more welcoming to LGBTQ Christians, further responsibility being given to put other folks (non-priests) and a recent synod (a gathering of church leaders) he known as. Strickland called that synod “garbage.” He has written a number of public letters reiterating his ideals that homosexuality is a sin, that ladies can’t be monks or serve in any priestly tasks and that the church is transferring within the mistaken course, together with one in August wherein he decried what he known as an “evil and false message that has invaded the Church.” Strickland had regularly waded into politics — in December 2020 he spoke at a rally in Washington, D.C., arranged via then-President Donald Trump’s supporters in quest of to overturn the election. He may be a prolific social media poster — he as soon as shared a video calling Pope Francis a “diabolically disoriented clown.”
News Peg
Pope Francis has sought to deliver innovative reforms to the church. Most just lately, he said that transgender other folks may also be baptized within the church in addition to change into godparents in Catholic baptisms and witnesses to Catholic weddings, despite the fact that he has made statements criticizing transgender other folks prior to now. In January, he was once criticized via the extra conservative participants within the church for pronouncing that homosexuality isn’t a criminal offense. In February, he known as for a better degree of involvement from lay other folks. And closing month, he led a synod in Rome the place church leaders mentioned the ones problems. These movements have regularly put Pope Francis at odds with an an increasing number of vocal conservative flank of the church within the U.S.
Further Reading
The Vatican Says Transgender Catholics Can Be Baptized — Following Years Of Critical Statements About Trans People By Pope Francis (Forbes)
Pope Francis Said Homosexuality Isn’t A Crime—Here’s What Else He’s Said About LGBTQ Issues (Forbes)
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