Pope Francis took the unprecedented step on Saturday of removing Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas, a conservative figure known for his active presence on social media and vocal criticism of the pontiff. Strickland, 65, has become a symbol of the internal divisions within the U.S. Catholic hierarchy, particularly due to his staunch opposition to some of Pope Francis’ progressive initiatives.
In a concise statement, the Vatican announced that Francis had “relieved” Bishop Strickland of his pastoral duties in Tyler and appointed the bishop of Austin as the temporary administrator. Strickland had been a prominent critic of the pope, accusing him of “undermining the deposit of faith” and taking issue with discussions on controversial topics such as the inclusion of LGBTQ+ Catholics during a recent meeting on the future of the Catholic Church.
Earlier this year, the Vatican initiated an investigation into Strickland’s governance of the diocese amid reports of complaints from priests and laypeople in Tyler. The findings of the investigation were not publicly disclosed. Strickland, who refused to resign voluntarily, citing a mandate from the late Pope Benedict XVI, faced allegations of making unorthodox claims.
One of the cited reasons for Strickland’s removal, as reported by the conservative website LifeSiteNews, was his refusal to implement Pope Francis’ 2021 restrictions on celebrating the old Latin Mass. This move, part of Francis’ broader efforts to reform traditionalist practices, has sparked discontent among some conservative Catholics.
The firing of Bishop Strickland prompted immediate backlash from conservatives and traditionalists who viewed him as a key figure opposing Francis’ progressive reforms. Michael J. Matt, editor of The Remnant, characterized the situation as “total war,” accusing Francis of undermining the fidelity to the Church of Jesus Christ.
Two Vatican investigators, Bishop Dennis Sullivan of Camden, N.J., and Bishop Emeritus Gerald Kicanas of Tucson, Ariz., conducted a comprehensive inquiry into Strickland’s leadership, leading to a recommendation that “the continuation in office of Bishop Strickland was not feasible,” according to Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, the head of the church in Texas.
It is rare for the pope to remove a bishop from office before the age of 75, the usual retirement age for bishops. Strickland, who did not offer to resign, was instead “relieved” of his duties by Francis, as stated in the Vatican announcement. Pope Francis has previously expressed concerns about the conservative wing of the U.S. Catholic hierarchy, emphasizing the need for a correct understanding of Catholic doctrine that allows for change over time.
Bishop Strickland’s association with figures like Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, a vocal critic of Pope Francis, and his backing of conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 pandemic have further fueled the controversies surrounding his tenure. The diocese of Tyler affirmed its commitment to continuing its mission despite Strickland’s removal, emphasizing the shared goal of sharing the Gospel and serving the needs of the community.
The incoming temporary administrator, Bishop Joe Vásquez of Austin, pledged to assess the needs of the diocese in the coming weeks and asked for prayers during this time of transition.