Pope Francis has removed Bishop Joseph Strickland from his role of shepherd and bishop of the Diocese of Tyler, Texas.

The shock announcement came via the Holy See’s daily bulletin, November 11. It stated simply:

The Holy Father has relieved from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Tyler (U.S.A.) H.E. Msgr. Joseph E. Strickland and appointed the Bishop of Austin, H.E. Msgr. Joe Vásquez, [Bishop of Austin] as the Apostolic Administrator of the vacated diocese.

Bishop Strickland had been formally asked to resign by Pope Francis, in a request that came via the papal nuncio Cardinal Cristophe Pierre. Strickland declined this request, but now – upon the direct order of the Pope – is vacating his diocesan see.

Bishop Strickland shows how a man of integrity does it. You don’t slink off and resign. You stand up and force them to fire you.

— Arthur Stirling 🇨🇦🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇻🇦 (@stirling_arthur) November 11, 2023

[From what I understand, Bishop[ Strickland has been critical of Francis’ administration and the Pope took it personally. Francis asked for his resignation and Strickland refused, forcing Francis to fire him. Well done by the bishop. ~ Beege]