An Argentine bishop whose appointment Pope Francis opposed before he became Roman Pontiff has resigned after allegations of mismanaging funds.
Bishop Oscar Sarlinga of Zarate-Campana diocese announced his resignation on Sunday.
This came after an administrative takeover of his diocese, ordered by Francis in January 2014.
The “fraternal mission” was led by the Pontiff’s successor in Buenos Aires, Cardinal Mario Poli.
According to a report on the Crux website, it is widely believed in Argentina that Bishop Sarlinga was named to the diocese just outside Buenos Aires in 2006 against the wishes of the future pope.
Reports from the time claim then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio requested a private audience with Pope Benedict XVI to express his objections to the appointment without his input.
Francis and Bishop Sarlinga have a history of clashes, often over financial matters.
In 2011, then-Cardinal Bergoglio criticised the bishop for spending more than US $1 million for an apartment to be used by an organisation he patronizes on the Avenida del Libertador, a high-end street in Buenos Aires.
Bishop Sarlinga now faces allegations that he has misappropriated funds and mistreated his clergy, among other issues.
Vatican confirmation of his decision to step down came two days after he made the announcement in Argentina.
The bishop said that he had requested from Pope Francis “a special time to pray.”
He emphasised his “closeness and dialogue” with Francis.
Bishop Sarlinga will be replaced by Bishop Pedro María Laxague in Zarate-Campana.
Sources