During an interfaith gathering in Singapore, the Pope went off-script from his prepared speech.

He emphasised that different faiths serve as "languages" leading to the same divine truth.

"There's only one God, and each of us has a language to arrive at God" Francis said, as reported by Crux Now.

"Some are Sheik, Muslim, Hindu, Christian and they are different paths [to God]".

False idea

This inclusive message has drawn sharp reactions from a number of bishops and theologians.

Archbishop Emeritus Charles Chaput of Philadelphia voiced his concerns in an article for First Things.

Chaput argued that the idea that all religions "carry the same weight is a false idea that the successor of Peter seems to support".

He called for Pope Francis to clarify his comments, urging him to reaffirm the Catholic Church's teachings on faith and salvation.

Chaput expressed concerns that the Pope's ambiguous statements could lead to confusion within the Church.

Similarly, Bishop Joseph Strickland of Texas, a vocal critic of Pope Francis, took to social media to question the Pope's stance.

"Please pray for Pope Francis to clearly state that Jesus Christ is the only Way. To deny this is to deny Him. If we deny Christ, He will deny us, He cannot deny Himself" Strickland posted.

Strickland has been a consistent critic of the Pope, particularly over issues such as abortion and LGBT rights, and his comments reflect a broader discomfort among traditionalist Catholics.

Rethink things thoroughly

Despite criticism of religious pluralism, some theologians have come to Pope Francis' defence.

Ludger Schwienhorst-Schönberger, a Viennese-based emeritus professor of Old Testament Studies, suggested that the Pope's remarks should not be overly scrutinised for theological precision.

"Catholics are often afraid to open their mouths.

"The fear of saying the wrong thing leads to a spiral of silence.

"But that is not the case with Pope Francis.

"He is not afraid of saying the wrong thing.

"Not everything he says is clever and sensible. You don't have to agree with everything he says" says Schwienhorst-Schönberger. But the Pope's words opened up the scope to rethink things thoroughly.

Sources

Washington Times

Katholisch

Premier Christian News

The cause was a column by the Italian theologian and church historian Massimo Faggioli (pictured), who teaches in the USA.

In the column he linked parts of American Catholicism with the former US president and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

In response, the bishop's organisation threatened to take legal action. But what exactly had happened?

The article

Faggioli's article, entitled "Will Trumpism spare Catholicism?", drew a connection between Donald Trump and various Catholic figures and hinted at a possible link between Trump and Bishop Joseph Strickland.

Strickland was dismissed from his diocese after his rebellious behaviour and frequent criticism of Pope Francis' pontificate.

Faggioli described overlaps between Trump's controversial right-wing nationalism and the conservative Catholicism represented by figures such as Strickland and the former Apostolic Nuncio to the USA, Archbishop Vigano.

Strickland in particular has repeatedly accused Francis of spreading schismatic ideas with the declaration of blessing "Fiducia supplicans".

After the presidential elections in December 2020, the former chief pastor of the small Texan diocese of Tyler also took part in a demonstration of Trump supporters who did not want to recognise Joe Biden's election victory with a prayer via video message.

Criticism of the Catholic cultural establishment

Faggioli's thesis is therefore based on such events, but above all the "Catholic Prayer for Trump", which took place on 19 March in Mar-a-Logo - the former US president's place of residence.

There, Trump was presented as the "only Catholic option".

Six months before the presidential elections in the USA, the theologian spoke of an "ahistorical fundamentalism of militant Catholicism" that is "mixed with nationalist impulses".

This disguises itself as concern for the "forgotten ordinary American (white) man".

In the original version of the article, Faggioli spoke of an "emerging Catholic cultural establishment" in the United States, dominated by intellectual figures of traditional, apologetic Catholicism.

According to Faggioli, they may be theologically educated, but they are hostile to modernity and are "on Trump's side" with such a view.

Faggioli described overlaps between Trump's controversial right-wing nationalism and the conservative Catholicism represented by figures such as Strickland.

Faggioli was referring to the Barron Media Group's new theological magazine entitled "The New Ressourcement", according to a report in the "National Catholic Reporter".

Among conservative Catholics, Faggioli said, there is "no shortage of academic and intellectual initiatives, with various references to Trumpism", but which are "all intent on orthodoxy".

Barron and his critics

Barron has been repeatedly criticised by Catholics, especially for his collaboration with right-wing thinkers and influencers.

These include names such as Ben Shapiro, former editor of the right-wing internet portal "Breitbart News" and the psychologist, YouTube influencer and author of self-help books Jordan Peterson.

Over the past few years, Barron has responded to his critics by accepting invitations to events organised by companies such as Google, Amazon and Facebook in order to rebut criticism that he is only dealing with "conservative culture warriors".

At the end of January of this year, however, the senior pastor was once again a guest of Peterson to discuss the fallacy of self-deification.

Most recently, however, Barron published a guest post on the internet portal of the television channel "CNN", in which he praised the talk show host and comedian Bill Maher for no longer criticising religions, especially Catholicism, but "woke" thinking.

He therefore sees Maher as an "unlikely ally" in the ongoing and bitter culture wars.

Two cease-and-desist letters to the editors

The publishers of "Commonweal Magazine" reported to the Catholic portal "National Catholic Reporter" that the bishop's media organisation had sent a "cease and desist letter" to Faggioli.

After consultation, the decision was made to withdraw the "controversial" paragraph.

The editors' note reads: "With the author's permission, the editors have removed a paragraph that originally appeared here because Bishop Robert Barron's media office, Word on Fire, has informed us that they consider it defamatory to be associated in any way with Donald Trump and Trumpism."

But even that was apparently not enough for the Bishop of Winona-Rochester in Minnesota: In a second cease-and-desist letter, "Word on Fire" took an even firmer stance against the editors' note.

Once again, dissatisfaction was expressed at being associated in any way with Donald Trump.

Repeated threats of legal action were made against Commonweal, and both the article and the editor's note continued to be labelled "libelous and defamatory".

The editorial team responded with an article entitled "Silencing the press".

In it, the editorial team expressed surprise at Barron's actions: "Public figures must expect journalistic criticism precisely because they are public figures.

"This also includes those who bring their faith into the public eye."

It is their right to complain about criticism, but they are not exempt from it.

"They enjoy no special protection from opinions about their intentions, their statements or the political society in which they live.

"Moreover, no one is entitled to deference or special treatment simply because they speak from a position of religious authority," it says.

And further: "This includes American bishops, including or especially those who maintain a highly visible public presence through interviews, social media and popular media services."

The editorial team emphasises that a different agreement could have been reached.

A letter would have been "an obvious place to start if Word on Fire believes that we and Faggioli need a fraternal rebuke".

A letter would also have led to a constructive or at least clarifying exchange and saved Word on Fire from being "perceived as another well-funded organisation that wants to silence its critics through litigation". Read more

• Mario Trifunovic is a theologian & journalist from the Frankfurt Rhine-Main Metropolitan Area in Germany.

Synodal Way dispute escalates

At the Council of European Bishops' Conference in Malta, Bishop Georg Bätzing of Limburg, Germany and Archbishop Stanislaw Gądecki of Poznan, Poland engaged in a tense encounter.

This followed Bätzing's public accusations against Gądecki for alleged false statements about the Synodal Way.

Bätzing accused his Polish counterpart of "overstepping his authority" and "unbrotherly behaviour" by not raising the issue during the synodal meeting in Rome.

Despite their discussion aiming for Church unity, tensions persisted, highlighting the ongoing discord about the controversial German process.

The Vatican's recent interventions and Pope Francis's stance have added weight to concerns, reflecting deeper divisions within the German Church.

Pope Francis acts against Cardinal Burke

Pope Francis has taken significant action against Cardinal Raymond Burke, revoking his subsidised Vatican apartment and salary, citing Burke's role in fomenting church disunity.

Burke has been a vocal critic of the pope's Church reforms.

According to an anonymous source, Francis was removing Burke's privileges because he used them against the church.

The move follows previous clashes between Burke and Francis over doctrinal questions and Burke's involvement in counter-synodal activities.

Letter to Pope: Synod report will disappoint

Leading reform-minded Catholics, including former Irish president Mary McAleese, penned an open letter expressing concern to Pope Francis and Synod participants.

The signatories anticipate the Synod's report will "disappoint and wound" Catholics worldwide.

They claim the Synod is one "in which prophetic voices won no significant concessions from the powerful and wealthy forces of conservatism".

The group found that the Synthesis Report published following last month's Synod was not "so much a synthesis as the minutes of an apparently unresolved quarrel".

The quarrel was between an "emerging lay church" and "bishops who have yet to find the courage to let go of their privileges" they said.

Disappointment stemmed from the absence of progress on critical issues like women's ordination, LGBTIQ rights, celibacy and clerical abuse.

Bishop Strickland's removal 'internal persecution'

Bishop Athanasius Schneider has decried the dismissal of Bishop Joseph Strickland as an act of unjust authority, signalling an "internal persecution" against faithful Catholics.

"This will go down in history as a great injustice against a bishop who only did his task in a time of confusion" said Bishop Schneider in an interview with the Catholic Herald.

Schneider described Strickland as a defender of Catholic faith and truth, citing his stance against distortions and his commitment to spiritual growth within the Church.

He criticised the trend of punishing faithful bishops while ignoring those undermining the faith, seeing it as an attempt to silence and dismantle communities adhering to tradition.

Potential for schism

Continued pressure on Pope Francis originates from both the conservative right and liberal left, risking a potential schism.

The right's resistance poses a threat as they are unlikely to be asked to depart.

At the same time, the left's dissatisfaction stems from the Church's apparent inability to tap into its democratic core.

Sources

Catholic News Agency

AP News

The Irish Times

The Catholic Herald

The fractures are most obvious on social media where even priests, bishops and cardinals preach from cyber pulpits all along the theological (or, more correctly, the ideological) spectrum.

Pope Francis recently moved against the latest online episcopal celebrity from the doctrinally rigid end of that spectrum when he relieved Bishop Joseph Strickland from his duties as head of the Diocese of Tyler.

Appointed to the small Texas see in 2012 by Benedict XVI, Strickland has been one of the most vocal critics of the current pope, whom he has publicly accused of undermining the Deposit of the Faith.

Francis like John Paul II and Benedict XVI

The bishop marked his 65th birthday on Halloween by joining other like-minded traditionalists at a conference in Rome where he quoted a letter accusing Francis of being an "usurper".

Using the words of someone else to even suggest the current pope is illegitimate is huge, even by Texas standards. Doing so in the pope's own diocese was a huge and lethal mistake.

Strickland has since gained a few more supporters from among the various anti-Francis critics and crackpots, including non-Americans who probably had never heard of him before he was removed from Tyler on November 11th.

If anybody in the pope's inner circle thought this might in any way lead to a cessation of hostilities towards Francis, they miscalculated.

The pro-Strickland crowd that uses social media as its preferred battleground, have called the pope every name in the book. Dictator is one of their favorites.

Interesting how they have forgotten that Benedict XVI and John Paul II also removed a number of bishops in their days.

The snipers have also attacked Francis and his "magic circle" - including the papal nuncio to Washington, Cardinal Christoph Pierre - for lack of transparency and for refusing to state the reasons why Strickland was removed.

The Roman Pontiff is under no obligation to do so. Benedict and John Paul never did so, either.

No one can hold a candle to Archbishop Viganò

Bishop Strickland is only the most recent high profile Catholic to rail against the current temporal head of the Catholic Church. But he is certainly not the only one.

Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, the former nuncio to the United States, was one of the first to really veer off the reservation.

And he did so in a spectacular and unprecedented way in August 2018 when he issued an excoriating open letter urging Francis to resign, accusing him of covering up abuse committed by the former cardinal and now defrocked priest Theodore McCarrick.

No one (at least up till now) can hold a candle to the 82-year-old Viganò, who lobs his deranged rantings and conspiracy theories like bombs in order to discredit the Jesuit pope.

He does this from a secret hiding place, no less, so much does he have the courage of his convictions. It's not too difficult for most reasonable people to see that the attention-seeking Viganò is more than a bit of a "nutter".

We'll have to see if Bishop Strickland, who also seems to like the limelight, intends to follow him down that same road.

After all, he was the first bishop to publicly vouch for Viganò's credibility the very morning the former nuncio issued his open letter attacking the pope.

More credible critics of the pope

But if a loose cannon like Viganò can be easily dismissed, other fierce critics of Francis cannot be.

Cardinal Gerhard Müller immediately comes to mind.

The German theologian and former bishop of Regensburg, who turns 76 on New Year's Eve, is not stupid.

One can disagree with his theological and ecclesiological views, but he represents some of the most classic positions on issues concerning Catholic faith and morals, issues that Francis — legitimately — has opened up for review and reformulation.

Müller, of course, is also the former head of what is now called the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF). Benedict XVI appointed him to the post in July 2012, just months before resigning the papacy.

Francis kept him as head of the doctrinal office after being elected pope in March 213, made him a cardinal in February 2014 at the first consistory of the new pontificate, but then decided not to reappoint him DDF prefect in 2017 when Müller completed his first five-year term of office.

The German cardinal has criticised Francis openly and publicly, most thoroughly in a book-length interview with Italian journalist Franca Giansoldati of the Rome-based daily, Il Messaggero.

He's been more or less respectful in tone, while not hiding his bewilderment at the way the Argentine pope has broken with longstanding Vatican protocols and business-as-usual practices - the same reason why many Francis supporters express their jubilation.

The Synod's way of describing the divisions

There are arguably scores (or more) of bishops and untold numbers of priests who are more sympathetic with some variation of Müller's point of view than with the pope's.

And the lay faithful are all probably over the board. It is difficult, if not impossible, to quantify the divisions. But, for sure, the Church is deeply divided.

However, you probably would not draw that conclusion if your first introduction to present-day Catholicism was the "Synthesis Report" that the Synod of Bishops issued on October 28 at the end of the first session of its two-pronged assembly on synodality.

Just take the 42-page text and do a simple word search.

You will find "division" only once in the context of the Church. It's in a section that is listed as number 8, "Church is Mission". In paragraph "f", one finds the following:

In all contexts, there is a danger, that was expressed by many at the Assembly, of "clericalising" the laity, creating a kind of lay elite that perpetuates inequalities and divisions among the People of God.

It would be a stretch to say this is any sort of reference to the current divisions mentioned above.

Similarly, words like "disagreements", "fractures", and "factions" do not appear.

And, for obvious and good reasons, the Synthesis Report - which is inspirational in many ways, but also rather anodyne - avoids naming any sort of "liberal" ("progressive") vs. "conservative" ("traditionalist") tensions or divisions that are, perhaps with the use of more appropriate "labels", a glaring reality in the Church today.

"Labels" is actually found in a section 15 on "Ecclesial Discernment and Open Questions" where it states that, in the Gospels, Jesus "never begins from the perspective of prejudices or labels, but from the authenticity of relationship...".

Meanwhile, the word "controversial" is found six times - three times in reference to "matters", twice regarding "issues", and once for "questions".

Bishops, cardinals, and the next conclave

As for the divisions with the hierarchy the document says this:

"Some bishops express discomfort when they are asked to speak on matters of faith and morals where full agreement within the Episcopate is lacking.

"Further reflection is needed on the relationship between episcopal collegiality and diversity of theological and pastoral views (section 12, paragraph "h")."

Our Catholic leaders, we're told, don't feel comfortable talking about matters about which they disagree.

Once again, this does not seem to properly reflect the reality of what is happening in the Church right now. And that, in and of itself, is alarming.

But divisions there are and, in fact, not a few bishops are publicly giving voice to them, from one side or another (and everywhere in between).

So... what will all this mean when the cardinals are finally called together to elect Pope Francis' successor?

Will they adopt the method of the Synod assembly's Synthesis Report and refuse to acknowledge straightforwardly and descriptively the divisions that exist?

More importantly, on what side of the divide (or where along the spectrum) do the cardinals who will be casting ballots for the next pope line up?

Francis, who will be 87 in a few weeks' time, has named more than 70 percent of the cardinal-electors.

But don't be fooled into thinking they will pick someone who will continue leading the Church along the path he has mapped out.

It may sound strange, but a good number of these cardinals could hardly be called "Francis bishops" in the sense that this term has come to mean.

It is more than likely that they will be forced to choose a compromise candidate. Whether that will be enough to heal the Church's divisions, however, is anyone's guess.

• Rome-based Robert Mickens is La Croix International Editor. He regularly comments on CNN, the BBC and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and writes a weekly column, Letter from Rome.
• First published in La Croix International. Republished with permission.

Instead, he led the rosary outside the hotel where the bishops' meeting was taking place without him.

Strickland's appearance came just three days after Pope Francis removed him as the head of the Diocese of Tyler, Texas.

However he remains an American bishop.

There is nothing in the statutes of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) that would prevent him from participating in this week's assembly.

Strickland says the papal nuncio to the US, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, asked him not to participate.

Strickland's removal from office

Strickland says he was notified about his removal via email on 11 November. It had "an attachment ... that said the Holy Father had … relieved me of the responsibilities as bishop of Tyler."

His removal follows a formal investigation Francis ordered of him and his diocese in June.

The Vatican-ordered investigation's official report was never published and the Vatican has not said why he was removed from office.

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and a suffragan of the Tyler Diocese, said following Strickland's removal that the investigation focused on "all aspects of the governance and leadership" in the diocese.

DiNardo said the investigation ultimately recommended to Pope Francis that "the continuation in office of Bishop Strickland was not feasible."

However papal biographer Austen Ivereigh was more direct when he commented on X.

"The schism is well advanced.

"It began with rejecting Rome in the name of Tradition, looking to a counter-magisterium, seeking an alliance with secular princes (Orban, Trump) and taking refuge in pre-reform liturgy.

"Now it is developing its own martyrology."

Strickland's confusion

"I really can't look to any reason except I've threatened some of the powers that be with the truth of the Gospel" Strickland told LifeSiteNews.

He agrees he is outspoken on Catholic social issues such as abortion and gender ideology.

He also has a sizeable social media following. He has railed against the political agendas of elected officials who blatantly disregard the sanctity of the unborn.

Although he has not explained what administrative issues may have been involved in the investigation the Pope ordered, he indicated there may have been more concrete reasons given for the action taken against him.

"Yeah, there are allegations, but we had the bishop's appeal that was $3.1 million, larger than ever in the history of the diocese" he told CNA.

He says Cardinal Christophe Pierre told him verbally about various issues including his outspoken comments. Pierre had cited a 12 May tweet in which he suggested that Pope Francis was "undermining the deposit of faith."

Another reason he was given was "the fact that I didn't shut down the Latin Mass in my diocese...". He says he didn't obey the ruling "because I can't starve out part of my flock."

Pray for the Pope

Strickland says he doesn't blame the pope entirely because "there are many forces working at him and influencing him to make these kinds of decisions.

"That's why we pray for the pope...

"But ... there are tremendous and powerful forces at work in the world ... we're fighting the powers and principalities of evil."

Ultimately Strickland says his removal followed an accumulation of things.

"... I think we'd all agree the Church needs to be stronger in Christ, and that's what I've encouraged through all of this...".

Sources

• CNA
• LifeSite News
• CNA
• X - Austen Ivereigh

His action on Saturday follows an Apostolic Visitation of the Diocese and Strickland's refusal to resign when the Pope offered him the chance to do so gracefully.

The Vatican initiated an Apostolic Visitation of the Diocese, led by two bishops, to thoroughly investigate Strickland's governance and leadership.

Their report concluded that Strickland's continuing role was untenable, leading to a recommendation for his resignation.

Despite being presented with this option on November 9, Strickland refused, resulting in his removal by Pope Francis on November 11.

This decision is seen as a significant and rare step by the Vatican, especially given that Strickland, at 65, is still ten years away from the usual retirement age for bishops.

The Vatican's announcement did not provide specific reasons for his dismissal.

Using social media to attack Pope Francis

Known for his active social media presence, Strickland has more than 120,000 followers on Twitter, surpassing the number of Catholics in his diocese.

His recent posts have been contentious, almost goading Pope Francis to act. The Tweets include:

• calling Francis' Synodality initiative "garbage"
• inviting Francis to fire him
• endorsing a controversial video that claimed you cannot be a Catholic and be a Democrat
• questioning the safety of the Covid-19 vaccines
• endorsing a video that called Francis a "diabolically disoriented clown" and
• accusing the pope of "undermining the Deposit of Faith

In a tweet from May 13, Strickland stated "I believe Pope Francis is the Pope, but it is time for me to say that I reject his programme of undermining the Deposit of Faith. Follow Jesus."

This outspoken stance has been described by Massimo Faggioli as "the strangest behaviour by a bishop" in the social media era. Faggioli is a respected theologian and church historian at Villanova University.

Strickland responds to removal

The Tyler Diocesan office was not available for comment over the weekend.

However, the conservative website LifeSiteNews reported an interview with the former diocesan bishop on Saturday.

According to the website, Strickland believes his dismissal was due partly to his refusal to enforce Francis' 2021 restrictions on the old Latin Mass.

"I can't starve out part of my flock" he remarked, expressing his peace "in the Lord and the truth that He died for."

In an email to The Wall Street Journal, Strickland wrote that he is saddened for the harm to the faithful but at peace in His Truth.

Asked about his plans, he replied, "Just praying for now."

Bishop Strickland greets children on first day of school

Catholic community responds

Strickland's removal has provoked anger among some conservative Catholics.

Francis is "actively trying to bury fidelity to the Church of Jesus Christ" says Michael J. Matt, editor of the traditionalist newspaper The Remnant

Matt is labelling the situation as "total war".

Also disappointed is former Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith Head, Cardinal Gerhard Müller.

In Rorate Caeli, Müller calls Strickland's sacking "an abuse of the divine right of the episcopate".

The former Vatican authority figure, says dioceses are established by Christ himself, and the Pope has no authority from Christ to intimidate and bully good bishops.

Müller says that a bishop can be removed only if he has done something evil, such as blessing people of the opposite sex or people in extramarital relationships.

Bishop Joe Vásquez of Austin has been appointed as the apostolic administrator for the Diocese of Tyler until a new bishop is named.

Sources

• Reuters
• AP
• Catholic Culture
• X - Josh McElwee
• NCR
• RNS
• CNA
• Rorate Caeli

In an address the day before he was elevated to the College of Cardinals, Pierre says it is difficult for Catholics to claim allegiance to the pope while openly criticising the incumbent.

Pierre's reminder always to listen to the Pope comes against the background of the Church in the US, which is said to be divided, and some of the country's bishops are openly criticising Pope Francis.

While Pierre did not mention names, it is said his comments alluded to the controversial case of Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas, who has accused Pope Francis of undermining the Deposit of Faith.

"The pope is not an idea.

"Some people say, 'I am with the pope, but not with this one.' And they are mistaken. The pope is a real person" declared Cardinal Pierre, Pope Francis' ambassador to the United States.

He emphasised that when the Lord chose Peter, He chose an individual, not an abstract concept, to build His church upon.

Pope understands the US church "very well"

Pierre, originally from France, has been a seasoned Vatican diplomat and was appointed as the apostolic nuncio to the United States by Pope Francis in 2016. His mission has largely focused on encouraging the US hierarchy to embrace Pope Francis' reforms and revitalise the Synod of Bishops.

Critics have claimed Pope Francis doesn't fully understand the Catholic Church in the United States due to his Latin American background. However, Pierre countered, stating "My experience is that Pope Francis understands very well the US church.

"It's good that we have a pope that makes provocations, because this is a real pope," he added.

Despite occasional tensions between Pope Francis and the US episcopacy, Cardinal Pierre urged a spirit of dialogue and unity, emphasising that "the pope is the pope, and bishops should always listen to the pope."

Pierre advised those who struggle to embrace the pope's priorities, saying "If the pope says something, don't criticise him. Make an examination of conscience."

21 new Cardinals

On Saturday, Francis elevated 21 new prelates from 15 countries.

In adding them to the College of Cardinals Francis said they should resemble a symphony orchestra: diverse and with a wide range of contributions, but always working toward harmony.

"A symphony thrives on the skilful composition of the timbres of different instruments: each one makes its contribution, sometimes alone, sometimes united with someone else, sometimes with the whole ensemble," said Francis at the ceremony.

"Diversity is necessary; it is indispensable. However, each sound must contribute to the common design."

Sources

National Catholic Reporter

National Catholic Reporter

CathNews New Zealand

But the Catholic Church's Code of Canon Law leaves Strickland little to no room to resist if the pontiff demands his resignation, several prominent canon lawyers told NCR.

Canon law makes it clear that the pope has "supreme, full, immediate, and universal ordinary power" in the Catholic Church and that any final decree he issues is binding and cannot be appealed.

Read More

There is speculation that Pope Francis may request his departure.

The recent developments came to light following a meeting between Pope Francis, Archbishop Robert Prevost - the Vatican's Dicastery for Bishops prefect, and Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the papal nuncio to the United States.

Among a range of alleged comments and actions Catholic news media report Strickland has

• accused Pope Francis of undermining the Catholic faith,
• endorsed videos labelling the current pontiff as a "diabolically disordered clown",
• undermined other bishops by expressing support for priests disciplined by their respective dioceses
• and most recently, in a public letter, predicted an unveiling of ‘true schismatics' at the forthcoming Synod of Bishops on synodality in Rome this October.

Despite the swirl of uncertainty, Strickland (pictured) has made it clear that he has received no formal communication from the Vatican and has no intention of voluntarily relinquishing his position.

The nature of their discussions is undisclosed but, according to The Pillar, sources suggest that Strickland's resignation was on the table.

However, the Vatican has not officially confirmed these claims, leaving room for speculation.

No information from Rome

The uncertainty surrounding Strickland's future follows an apostolic visitation to his diocese in June.

The visitation is a rare disciplinary investigation initiated by the Holy See.

It follows a November 2021 incident in which Archbishop Pierre privately reprimanded Strickland during a US Conference of Catholic Bishops meeting.

When reached for comment, Strickland expressed his unawareness of any formal resignation request from the Vatican.

He asserted, "I have received no information on this from Rome."

Furthermore, Strickland indicated his determination to hold his position, even in the face of a potential papal request, citing his commitment to the mandate given to him by Pope Benedict XVI.

"As a basic principle, I cannot resign the mandate given to me by Pope Benedict the XVI," Strickland wrote.

"Of course, that mandate can be rescinded by Pope Francis, but I cannot voluntarily abandon the flock that I have been given charge of as a successor of the apostles."

Canon lawyer John Beal, a Catholic University of America professor, clarified that a pope has the authority to remove a bishop against the bishop's will. However, there is no prescribed procedure for such an action.

Beal also noted that bishops who fall out of favour with the pope often see their authority diminished through creative means.

Strickland's critics have called for his removal, but many fear that his significant online following could lead to continued influence.

"I believe the fear is that, if he's removed, his visibility will be amplified," Massimo Faggioli, a professor of theology and religious studies at Villanova University, told RNS earlier this year.

Sources

Religion News Service

The Pillar

CathNews New Zealand

The pontiff pointed out that, in some instances, political ideology has begun to overshadow genuine faith. This can prompt a displacement of core religious values.

Francis made the comments on August 5 in a private meeting in Lisbon with members of the Jesuit order during his trip for World Youth Day.

During a question-and-answer session, a Portuguese Jesuit recounted his disheartening experience during a sabbatical in the US.

He lamented the presence of hostility towards the pope's leadership within a segment of American Catholics, even among some bishops.

Addressing this concern, Pope Francis acknowledged the existence of a "very strong reactionary attitude" present within the US Catholic Church. He highlighted its organised nature, noting its influence on emotional attachment and affiliation.

Francis termed this attitude as "backward" and cautioned against the potential pitfalls of such a perspective. He stressed it could foster an environment of narrow-mindedness and closure.

Moreover, Pope Francis underscored the peril of allowing ideological beliefs to supersede genuine faith. He stressed that this trend could erode the authentic tradition of the Church.

He cautioned against the replacement of faith by membership within certain segments of the Church. Then Francis emphasised the importance of upholding the broader unity of the faith.

Pope often criticised by conservatives

In the ten years since his election, Francis has been criticised by conservative sectors of the US Church who are opposed to reforms such as giving women and lay Catholics more roles and making the Church more welcoming and less judgmental towards some, including LGBT people.

Appealing for a more progressive outlook, Pope Francis underscored the necessity of embracing an evolving understanding of faith and morals. He invoked historical examples, highlighting that while certain pontiffs of the past tolerated practices like slavery, the Church has evolved over time.

While the Pope's comments resonate with many who seek a more open and adaptable Church, his sentiments have also ignited reactions.

One prominent critic, Cardinal Raymond Burke, cautioned that Francis' upcoming bishops' meeting in October to shape the Church's future might inadvertently foster "confusion and error and division."

Sources

Religion News Service

Reuters

La Civiltà Cattolica

Strickland boldly states "Those advocating for changes in matters that are unalterable are, in fact, trying to seize control of Christ's church, rendering them the true schismatics."

In the missive, harking back to anti-modernist sentiments of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Strickland suggests there will be a profound examination of core Catholic doctrines during the Synod.

Bishop Strickland, previously known for his allegations of Pope Francis' eroding the Deposit of Faith, penned his fervent letter on August 22. He cautioned against the pervasive influence of what he termed an "evil and false message" that has "penetrated" the church's sanctity.

In his letter, Strickland urges readers to exercise discernment in the face of any "attempts to present an alternative to the Gospel of Jesus Christ." He firmly asserts that those who resist such alterations are not disloyal to the Church but rather safeguarding its integrity.

Vatican visitation

Having been designated as the fourth bishop of the Tyler Diocese by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012, Bishop Strickland has emerged recently as a vocal agitator, unafraid to openly challenge the current pope's leadership and criticise fellow bishops.

Strickland's management of the East Texas diocese has also come under scrutiny, prompting a Vatican-initiated inquiry known formally as an apostolic visitation.

Bishop Strickland's public stance, including his social media posts casting doubts on Pope Francis' commitment to Catholic tenets and his endorsement of critical videos characterising the pontiff as a "diabolically disoriented clown," has elicited both support and opposition.

One of the key points of contention has been Strickland's scepticism about synodality, the three-year process aimed at gathering insights from Catholics worldwide. This will culminate in meetings in 2023 and 2024 in Rome, where bishops and voting delegates including lay individuals will convene.

Sources

National Catholic Reporter

CathNews New Zealand

The apostolic visitation, which he described as "not fun," was conducted by delegates from the Vatican's Dicastery for Bishops, focusing on various aspects of the diocese's management and the bishop's social media usage.

Strickland (pictured) made the comments on the latest episode of his podcast, "Bishop Strickland Hour." Strickland addressed concerns surrounding the inquiry during the prerecorded show on July 25 via Virgin Most Powerful Internet Radio.

He compared the experience to being called to the principal's office and acknowledged that some may interpret the visitation as a sign of significant issues within the diocese.

"There have been some administrative issues, and I'm sure people are concerned," the bishop said. "I'm sure there are people saying that there must be something really bad, and something's really gone wrong for this apostolic visitation [to happen]."

"I've got nothing to hide," he said in a show excerpt posted to YouTube.

Apostolic visitations are formal investigations initiated by the Pope to examine and maintain sound doctrine and morals, and address possible abuses in institutions under the Church's authority.

In this instance, the Vatican's Dicastery for Bishops supervised the investigation, signalling potential disciplinary actions against Bishop Strickland

A polarising figure

The visitation reportedly involved interviews with diocesan clergy and laity, culminating in a meeting with Bishop Strickland. Among the topics explored were the bishop's social media activities and matters related to diocesan administration and management.

Bishop Strickland has garnered both popularity and controversy for his outspokenness and staunch defence of pro-life principles, traditional liturgy and Catholic orthodoxy.

With over 136,000 followers on Twitter, his social media presence has been a point of scrutiny, leading to criticism of some of his posts, particularly one in which he implied Pope Francis was undermining the deposit of faith.

In an interview in October 2020, Strickland described the church under Francis' leadership as "weak" and "not clear".

On Twitter, the bishop endorsed videos labelling the current pontiff as a "diabolically disordered clown." Strickland even dared the pope to remove him from his position.

Bishop Strickland said he thinks he was subject to the visitation "because I've been bold enough and loved the Lord enough and his Church, simply preaching the truth."

Under Bishop Strickland's leadership, the Diocese of Tyler has shown positive signs of spiritual and administrative well-being.

Despite its modest size with only 55,000 Catholics, the diocese boasts 21 men currently undergoing priestly formation, a higher rate of seminarians-per-Catholic than most other US dioceses. The diocese is also reportedly performing well financially.

However, some Twitter users commented "Bishop Strickland's on the way out." The bishop responded: "Maybe they're right."

Sources

Catholic News Agency

CathNews New Zealand

Among the comments, Strickland accused Pope Francis of undermining the Catholic faith.

This investigation, known as an apostolic visitation, was confirmed by Elizabeth Slaten, the Diocese of Tyler, Texas communications director.

Slaten revealed that the visitation took place over several days the previous week.

Still, she refrained from disclosing further details regarding the purpose of the visitation or the individuals responsible for conducting it.

"I'm not free to speak on behalf of Mother Church and the nuncio," Slaten commented.

The Apostolic Nunciature in Washington DC, the Vatican's embassy in the United States, has not responded to inquiries regarding the investigation.

Francis a "diabolically disordered clown"

In an interview in October 2020, Strickland described the church under Francis' leadership as "weak" and "not clear".

Strickland even dared the pope to remove him from his position.

On Twitter, the bishop endorsed videos labelling the current pontiff as a "diabolically disordered clown."

With a Twitter following of nearly 124,000, Strickland has utilised his social media platform to disseminate anti-vaccine messages during the COVID-19 pandemic and to undermine other bishops by expressing support for priests disciplined by their respective dioceses.

Additionally, Strickland has taken firm partisan political positions, labelling President Joseph Biden - an abortion rights-supporting Catholic - as an "evil president".

In 2020, Strickland endorsed a contentious video by reactionary priest Fr James Altman, which asserted that Catholics could not vote for Democrats in political elections.

Strickland participated in a rally organised by former President Donald Trump supporters, who sought to overturn Biden's election victory.

Private resolution fails

In 2021, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the Vatican's representative in the United States, personally rebuked Strickland regarding his Twitter activity.

However, attempts to address the issue through private conversations were unsuccessful. Instead, the bishop's remarks have become more provocative.

The investigation launched by the Vatican reflects growing concerns regarding Strickland's controversial remarks and actions.

Strickland, appointed as the fourth bishop of the Tyler diocese by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012, has garnered attention in recent years for his outspoken and confrontational approach, publicly challenging Pope Francis' leadership and criticising his fellow bishops.

Strickland's scepticism regarding Pope Francis' fidelity to the Catholic faith was evident in a tweet on May 12, where he affirmed his belief in Pope Francis' papacy but expressed his rejection of the pontiff's alleged undermining of the Deposit of Faith.

As the apostolic visitation progresses, its findings may have significant implications for the diocese and the bishop's future role.

Sources

National Catholic Reporter

Religion News Service

CathNews New Zealand

According to multiple sources, the controversial bishop faces Vatican sanction for challenging Pope Francis' papal authority.

Strickland (pictured), is known for his conservative views and provocative statements.

He has drawn criticism for various issues, including support for unvaccinated priests and participating in events leading up to the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol.

Recently, on Twitter, Strickland said he believes the pontiff is "undermining the Deposit of Faith."

His efforts have inspired some detractors to call for Strickland's resignation, while others have urged Vatican intervention.

The Vatican's displeasure with Strickland was revealed during a Terry and Jesse Show broadcast, where co-host Terry Barber recounted an alleged encounter between Strickland and Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the Vatican's US ambassador (Apostolic Nuncio).

The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Christoph Pierre is said to have approached Strickland at a US Conference of Catholic Bishops gathering.

According to Barber, Pierre "wagged his finger" at Strickland while saying, "Bishop Strickland, we're watching you — stop talking about the deposit of faith."

"(Strickland) doesn't really care," Barber said of the alleged encounter.

"It's the truth that sets us free. If he goes down because he's speaking the truth, oh well."

Dressing down appears to have had little effect

According to one anonymous source, the confrontation occurred in November 2021 at the USCCB meeting in Baltimore, Maryland, where the nuncio addressed Strickland's controversial Twitter feed, including posts opposing COVID-19 vaccines.

Asked about the encounter via email this week, Strickland said he would "prefer not to comment."

The nuncio's office did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Barber said he did not wish to speak further about the incident and would not name the source of his information.

Instead, he criticised Pope Francis, accusing him of being ambiguous about critical moral questions and calling the pontiff a "disaster for the Catholic Church."

Despite the Nuncio's alleged dressing-down aimed at discouraging Strickland's controversial behaviour, it appears to have had little effect.

Since the 2021 meeting, Strickland has continued challenging the authority and rhetoric of church officials, including the Pope.

Sources

Religion News

CathNews New Zealand

Bishop Joseph Strickland (pictured) of Tyler, Texas, is a vocal critic of the current pontiff.

He gained notoriety for his contentious relationship with Francis, even inviting the pope to dismiss him in the past.

However, while acknowledging the validity of Francis' election, Strickland urged, "Follow Jesus."

The bishop's comments sparked a strong reaction on Twitter, with priests, deacons, and Catholic intellectuals accusing him of flirting with schism and violating his vow of obedience to the pope.

Deacon William T Ditewig, former director of the US bishops' Secretariat for the Diaconate, called on Strickland to resign if he believed his conscience led him away from the pope.

The following day, Strickland appeared to backtrack slightly, expressing his belief in the significance of unity and condemning schismatic movements and sedevacantists who deny the pope's legitimacy.

However, he later retracted his statement labelling the Society of St Pius X (SSPX) as "schismatic", instead stating that the SSPX upholds Tradition for the Universal Church.

Strickland also appeared to distance himself from the far-right podcaster Patrick Coffin.

The bishop participated as a guest speaker for an online "summit" hosted by Coffin's organisation, "Hope is Fuel," on March 18.

Still, on May 15, the website no longer named Strickland among the featured speakers.

It still mentioned that "a respected Catholic bishop" had participated in the event alongside "six mental health experts" and a former professional athlete.

In recent years, Coffin has veered to the hard right and accused Francis of being an "anti-pope." He has also argued that Pope Benedict XVI's February 2013 resignation was invalid.

"Strickland appears to have finally crossed the line"

When Benedict died, Coffin tweeted that the See of Rome was "now vacant."

He prayed that the cardinals who elected Francis in the March 2013 conclave would "do the right thing and avoid yet another anti-pope."

Fr Robert Spitzer, a respected Jesuit theologian, who was the guest on a May 2 episode of Coffin's show, distanced himself from Coffin. He stated that he does not share Coffin's views on the legitimacy of Francis' election.

Spitzer said he had just learned of Coffin's statements questioning the validity of Francis' election.

"I do not hold this position and would never hold this position," said Spitzer, who added that he had asked that his interview with Coffin "be withdrawn from the series."

On May 12, Strickland quote-tweeted Spitzer's statement, adding that he "fully" endorsed Spitzer's stance "regarding any statements from Patrick Coffin regarding Pope Francis."

But then he added in a separate tweet: "Please allow me to clarify regarding ‘Patrick Coffin has challenged the authenticity of the (sic) Pope Francis.' If this is accurate I disagree, I believe Pope Francis is the Pope but it is time for me to say that I reject his programme of undermining the Deposit of Faith. Follow Jesus."

"With this tweet, Bishop Strickland appears to have finally crossed the line into direct and explicit opposition to Pope Francis and his teaching authority," wrote Mike Lewis in a post published on the pro-Francis website, Where Peter Is.

Sources

National Catholic Reporter

America Magazine