Pope Francis on Saturday forcibly removed the bishop of Tyler, Texas, a firebrand 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.

Earlier this year, the Vatican sent in investigators to look into his governance of the diocese, amid reports that priests and laypeople in Tyler had complained and that he was making unorthodox claims.

  • Jessica@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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    1 year ago

    From the article:

    “This is total war,” Matt wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Francis is a clear and present danger not only to Catholics the world over but also to the whole world itself.”

    Matt is the editor of a traditionalist newspaper. That guy needs to touch grass. How stupid can a person be?

      • Jessica@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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        1 year ago

        My brother in Happy Holidays, we are the winners. The only thing I am concerned about is whether there will be enough popcorn kernels available for us all. I’ve stocked up, almost 69 stones worth.

    • slaacaa@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Yes Matt, the 86 years old dude without any power preaching about peace on another continent is very dangerous./s

      Also, I somehow have a feeling that he doesn’t have the same opinion on Putin, who is actually a danger to the whole world.