Pope Francis Fires Conservative U.S. Bishop

Pope Francis Fires Conservative U.S. Bishop

Pope Francis dismisses Texan Bishop Joseph Strickland, a prominent critic of the Pope’s leadership, citing probes in his Tyler Diocese. Strickland, a prominent member of a breakaway party opposed to the Pope’s reforms, faces dismissal as Francis condemns the ‘backwardness’ of some US Catholic officials.

Bishop Strickland criticizes the Pope’s efforts to modernize the Church’s stance on social issues like abortion, transgender rights, and same-sex marriage.

In July, he expressed concern about challenges to “basic truths” in Catholic teaching, particularly opposing attempts to redefine marriage beyond a man and a woman, labeling such efforts as an attempt to “undermine” God-instituted marriage. He also criticized those who reject their biological identity, describing it as “disordered

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In a letter, Bishop Strickland warned that trying to alter things that cannot be changed could cause an irreversible rift in the Church, saying that those who want change are the real heretics. He had before refused to step down while under Vatican inquiry and openly challenged the Pope to remove him.

The Pope’s June apostolic visitation in the Diocese of Tyler, which included an examination of his financial matters, led the Vatican to decide to release him of his duties. 2012 saw the appointment of Bishop Strickland, 65, during the pontificate of Benedict XVI.

Source : bbc

Pope Francis Fires Conservative U.S. Bishop