Pope Leo XIV helped remove Bishop Strickland from Diocese

TYLER — Pope Leo XIV, the former Cardinal Robert Prevost, was involved in a leadership assessment while working in the Vatican, that lead to Bishop Joseph Strickland’s removal from the Diocese of Tyler in 2023 according to our news partner KETK.

The Vatican Dicastery for Bishops performed a formal investigation of Strickland looking into his social media use and diocesan management. Strickland, who served at the Diocese of Tyler for 11 years, faced criticism on several posts including a tweet that said Pope Francis was “undermining the Deposit of Faith.”Bishop Dennis Sullivan of Camden and Bishop Emeritus Gerald Kicanas of Tucson conducted the investigation and concluded that Strickland’s tenure in office should not continue.

Pope Francis, known for his more progressive values, was open about his concerns with conservatives being in the U.S. Catholic hierarchy. Strickland opposed Francis’ stance on LGBTQ Catholics and having women in governance, according to the Associated Press.

Traditionally, when the Vatican discovers governance issues that prompt a bishop to leave, the Vatican will try to pressure a bishop into resigning, according to the Associated Press. Strickland refused to resign when the Vatican asked on Nov. 9 and this forced Pope Francis to remove Strickland from office.

The former Cardinal Prevost did not publicly speak on Strickland’s removal.

On Thursday, Bishop Strickland took to X, formerly known as Twitter, commenting on Pope Leo XIV taking over the role.

“With the election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the Church enters a new chapter in her pilgrimage through history,” Strickland said. “We entrust the Holy Father to the guidance of the Holy Ghost and the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, praying that he may faithfully uphold the Deposit of Faith and confirm his brethren in the truth. In these difficult times, may all of us- clergy and laity alike-remain steadfast in our love for Christ, His Church, and the Sacred Traditions handed down through the ages.”

At a Thursday press conference, Bishop Greg Kelly of the Diocese of Tyler shared he was moved by Pope Leo XIV’s message to seek and share the Lord’s peace in a world full conflict.

“We rejoice with this because it’s such an essential part of our church, it really is a sign of our unity and of our communion, and we just pray that the lord strengthens him for this ministry,” Kelly said.

Kelly will officiate a 12:05 p.m. mass for Pope Leo XIV on Friday at the chapel of Sts. Peter and Paul in Tyler.