Prominent traditionalist American Catholic figure Bishop Joseph Strickland of Texas, known for his criticism of Pope Francis and the church’s efforts to be more inclusive of the LGBTQ community, has been removed from his position as bishop of Tyler, according to a statement from the Vatican.
The Vatican confirmed that this decision followed “an apostolic visitation ordered by the Pope last June in the Diocese of Tyler” but did not specify the exact reason for the removal. In the statement, it was noted that “the Holy Father has removed Bishop Joseph E. Strickland from the pastoral governance of the diocese of Tyler, United States of America, and has appointed Bishop Joe Vásquez of Austin as apostolic administrator of the same diocese, rendering it sede vacante.”
The statement further explained that, following the visitation, Bishop Strickland’s continued tenure in office was deemed “not feasible,” and he was asked to resign on Thursday. However, since the bishop declined the request, Pope Francis decided to remove him from his post.
Bishop Strickland has been a vocal critic of Pope Francis, particularly regarding the Pope’s more liberal positions on issues like transgender rights and same-sex marriage. Strickland has accused the Pope of “undermining the Deposit of Faith.”
Pope Francis, whose papacy began in 2013, made a significant statement earlier this year, declaring that “being homosexual isn’t a crime.” This move signified the Catholic Church’s intention to show solidarity with the LGBTQ community, a position strongly opposed by conservative bishops and traditionalists.
In response, Pope Francis criticized conservative bishops last August, denouncing their “backwardness” and accusing them of “replacing faith with ideology.” He emphasized that a correct understanding of Catholic doctrine allows for change over time.
Strickland’s removal has sparked outrage within the Catholic community, with some labeling the Pope as a “dictator.” Various individuals have characterized the decision as “tyranny” and Strickland’s removal as “a cowardly form of authoritarianism.”
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