Pope forcibly removes a leading US conservative, Texas bishop Strickland

[Tall Timbers]

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis on Saturday forcibly removed the bishop of Tyler, Texas, a conservative prelate active on social media who has been a fierce critic of the pontiff and has come to symbolize the polarization within the U.S. Catholic hierarchy.

A one-line statement from the Vatican said Francis had “relieved” Bishop Joseph Strickland of the pastoral governance of Tyler and appointed the bishop of Austin as the temporary administrator.

Strickland, 65, has emerged as a leading critic of Francis, accusing him in a tweet earlier this year of “undermining the deposit of faith.” He has been particularly critical of Francis’ recent meeting on the future of the Catholic Church during which hot-button issues were discussed, including ways to better welcome LGBTQ+ Catholics.

In a social media post sent a few hours before the Vatican’s noon announcement, Strickland wrote a prayer about Christ being the “way, the truth and the life, yesterday, today and forever.” He had changed the handle from his previous @bishopoftyler to @BishStrickland.

Pope Francis removes a leading US conservative critic as bishop of Tyler, Texas

Pope Francis on Saturday ordered the removal of the bishop of Tyler, Texas, a conservative prelate active on social media who has been a fierce critic of the pontiff and has come to symbolize the polarization within the U.S. Catholic hierarchy. A one-line statement from the Vatican said Francis...

news.yahoo.com

 

[Work4Peanuts]

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis on Saturday forcibly removed the bishop of Tyler, Texas, a conservative prelate active on social media who has been a fierce critic of the pontiff and has come to symbolize the polarization within the U.S. Catholic hierarchy.

A one-line statement from the Vatican said Francis had “relieved” Bishop Joseph Strickland of the pastoral governance of Tyler and appointed the bishop of Austin as the temporary administrator.

Strickland, 65, has emerged as a leading critic of Francis, accusing him in a tweet earlier this year of “undermining the deposit of faith.” He has been particularly critical of Francis’ recent meeting on the future of the Catholic Church during which hot-button issues were discussed, including ways to better welcome LGBTQ+ Catholics.

In a social media post sent a few hours before the Vatican’s noon announcement, Strickland wrote a prayer about Christ being the “way, the truth and the life, yesterday, today and forever.” He had changed the handle from his previous @bishopoftyler to @BishStrickland.

Pope Francis removes a leading US conservative critic as bishop of Tyler, Texas

Pope Francis on Saturday ordered the removal of the bishop of Tyler, Texas, a conservative prelate active on social media who has been a fierce critic of the pontiff and has come to symbolize the polarization within the U.S. Catholic hierarchy. A one-line statement from the Vatican said Francis...

news.yahoo.com

Praying for this one. He seems like he might actually be familiar with the Bible and believe it.

 

[Andy C]

Praying for this one. He seems like he might actually be familiar with the Bible and believe it.

Maybe, but if he did, why is he still a catholic priest?

 

[Work4Peanuts]

Maybe, but if he did, why is he still a catholic priest?

Who's to say? That's why the prayer. This ouster may be the kick in the pants he needs to re-evaluate. God has an absolute talent for turning His enemies into beloved allies and regenerating hearts. I'm grateful, so so grateful, that He is patient, loving, and willing to come down to our sewer-level lives to redeem us.

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

Does anyone know if there's a way to recall/impeach/etc. the Pope?

 

[Work4Peanuts]

Does anyone know if there's a way to recall/impeach/etc. the Pope?

I believe that poison was the preferred method in times past.

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

Found this on Reuters. It's from 5 years ago.
Maybe we should just call the Pope "teflon frank"

Can the pope's accusers force him to resign?​

By Philip Pullella
September 7, 2018 7:27 AM CDT

"VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Calls by a Roman Catholic archbishop and his conservative backers for Pope Francis to resign could make it difficult, if not impossible, for him to do so, Church experts say.
Canon (Church) Law says a pope can resign but the decision must be taken freely."

"Canon 1373 says one "who publicly either stirs up hostilities or hatred among subjects against (a pope) ... is to be punished by an interdict or by other just penalties".
Cafardi said: "I think they (the harshest papal critics) are violating it (canon 1373) or are very close to violating it because of the hate they are trying to stir up against Francis".
CAN A POPE BE DEPOSED?
Not these days. He can die in office or resign of his own free will. There is no impeachment procedure for a pope."

More

Can the pope's accusers force him to resign?

Calls by a Roman Catholic archbishop and his conservative backers for Pope Francis to resign could make it difficult, if not impossible, for him to do so, Church experts say.

www.reuters.com