In an unusual move, Pope Francis Takes Action, Dismisses Texas Bishop From Post known for speaking his mind, hinting that the Pope might be getting a bit impatient with conservative Catholics in the United States who’ve criticized him for being too open-minded.
On Saturday, the Vatican announced that Bishop Joseph E. Strickland was no longer in charge of the diocese of Tyler. Instead, Bishop Joe Vásquez of Austin would take over temporarily. Strickland, who didn’t see eye to eye with the Pope, had refused to step down despite an investigation into his leadership.
In September, Strickland explained on his website, “I can’t resign as Bishop of Tyler because that would mean abandoning the people I was put in charge of by Pope Benedict XVI.” After a visit to Strickland’s diocese in June, other bishops told the Pope it wouldn’t work for Strickland to continue, according to Cardinal Daniel Nicholas DiNardo.
Although Strickland had acknowledged Pope Francis as legitimate in a tweet in May, he also said, “It’s time for me to say that I reject his program of undermining the Deposit of Faith. Follow Jesus.” After declining to resign when asked, Pope Francis removed him two days later, according to DiNardo.
Over the past year, Strickland had been getting more and more critical of the Pope, even questioning whether Vatican officials were really Catholics, as reported by The New York Times. Tensions in the Catholic Church have been rising, especially around issues like same-sex couples and women becoming priests.
In response, Pope Francis has called some American Catholics “backward” and “reactionary” for resisting new ideas. Despite all the commotion, the Diocese of Tyler is determined to keep doing its work in northeast Texas. They’re focused on strengthening people’s faith, doing good in the community, and making a welcoming space for everyone. The diocese’s message during this transition is to pray for blessings and strength for the Church and its people all over the world.