Pope Francis has dismissed a conservative bishop in the US state of Texas, Joseph Strickland. Stickland was bishop of the Tyler diocese for more than ten years and is known for his fierce criticism of the pope’s course.
The dismissed Bishop Joseph Strickland believes that the Pope’s reforms are pursuing a policy “that undermines the guarantees of the faith.” The resignation was announced simultaneously in the Vatican and by the American bishops’ conference without any explanation.
It is rare that a bishop is suddenly dismissed. Bishops in conflict with the Vatican are usually removed from their positions calmly and with dignity. They first ask if they can ask for dismissal and after a while that is allowed. Then the Pope accepts the request to resign.
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