Pope forcibly removes leading US conservative, Texas bishop Strickland

Pope Francis Removes Bishop of Texas Town , Who Criticized His Leadership. On Nov. 11, Bishop Joseph Strickland was removed from governing the diocese of Tyler, Texas, 'The Hill' reports. Bishop Joe Vásquez of Austin was appointed as a temporary administrator. Strickland has criticized the pontiff in recent months, claiming Francis is "undermining the deposit of faith.". A few years ago, Strickland reportedly referred to the church as "weak" and "not clear.". He also dared Francis to fire him, according to 'The National Catholic Reporter.'. The 65-year-old took issue with Francis' openness to discuss the possibility of LGBTQ church members, female deacons and married priests. He also reportedly condemned vaccines amid the pandemic and asserted that Catholics couldn't vote for Democrats. The Catholic Diocese of Tyler issued a statement about Strickland's ousting. During this time of transition, we pray that God may continue to abundantly bless and strengthen the Church and God’s holy, faithful people here and around the world, Catholic Diocese of Tyler, Texas, via statement

Pope Francis has dismissed US bishop Joseph Strickland, a conservative critic of his papacy. The Vatican made the rare decision to remove a senior Catholic...