The unusual decision came after Francis sent two American bishops to the diocese of Strickland, Texas, in June. The Vatican did not give the reasons for the apostolic visitation or the bishops’ conclusions. According to Portal, the action was part of an investigation into the diocese’s financial management.
The Argentine Pope has taken measures to make the church more inclusive and open. During a meeting of Jesuit priests in Lisbon, the pope lamented the “strongly reactionary attitude” of some Catholics. He also stated that “a return to the past is pointless” and that it is necessary “to understand that there is a proper evolution in the approach to the issues of faith and morality.”
The stance has been met with resistance from more conservative circles, which accuse the 86yearold pope of contradicting core Catholic beliefs, particularly on abortion.
Critics also denounce excessive tolerance towards the LGBTQIA+ community and divorced people. The United States is the main center of resistance.
Earlier this year, Strickland accused the pope of “undermining the deposit of faith” in a message on the social network X, formerly Twitter. In September, the bishop addressed rumors that he was being encouraged to resign. Strickland himself had made the visits of Vatican bishops public.
“I cannot relinquish my position as Bishop of Tyler because that would mean abandoning the flock in my care,” he wrote. “I respect the authority of Pope Francis in stripping me of my authority as Bishop of Tyler.”