Catholic Church unity is facing challenges on multiple fronts, driven by tense dialogues between bishops, open criticism of Pope Francis, claims the Synod report will damage the Church, and the perception of internal persecution. Synodal Way dispute escalates At the Council of European Bishops’ Conference in Malta, Bishop Georg Bätzing of Limburg, Germany and Archbishop Read more
It’s no secret that the Roman Catholic Church is deeply divided right now, perhaps as much as it’s ever been in the six decades since the end of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65). The fractures are most obvious on social media where even priests, bishops and cardinals preach from cyber pulpits all along the theological Read more
Bishop Joseph Strickland didn’t join his fellow US bishops at their annual autumn assembly on Tuesday. 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 Read more
In an unsurprising move, Pope Francis removed Bishop Joseph Strickland from his position as the head of the Diocese of Tyler, Texas. 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 Read more
Always listen to the pope regardless of who he is, says Cardinal Christophe Pierre. 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 Read more
Firebrand Texas Bishop Joseph Strickland, who has been subject to a Vatican investigation over his leadership style and right-wing comments on social media, has recently vowed not to resign or “voluntarily abandon” his diocese, even if Pope Francis asks him to do so. But the Catholic Church’s Code of Canon Law leaves Strickland little to Read more
Rumours are circulating about the possible resignation of Catholic Bishop Joseph Strickland of the Diocese of Tyler in Texas. 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, Read more
Pope Francis has openly criticised what he terms the “backwardness” exhibited by certain conservative factions within the US Catholic Church. 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 Read more
In a public letter, controversial Bishop of Tyler, Texas, Joseph Strickland has predicted an unveiling of ‘true schismatics’ at the forthcoming Synod of Bishops on synodality in Rome this October. 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 Read more
Bishop Joseph E Strickland of Tyler, Texas, has adamantly denied any misconduct connected to the Vatican’s investigation into his actions and those of his diocese, stating “I’ve got nothing to hide.” 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 Read more