Joseph Strickland has been removed from his office as Bishop of the Diocese of Tyler. This action was taken by Pope Francis after Strickland declined a request to resign.
Immediate Status and Future Role
As of the recent decision by the Vatican, Joseph Strickland is no longer serving as the Bishop of Tyler. His removal is a definitive action by the Pope.
| Aspect | Status |
|---|---|
| Role in Diocese of Tyler | Forcibly removed from office |
| Current Position | No longer Bishop of Tyler |
| Temporary Administrator | Bishop Joe Vasquez of Austin (appointed by the Pope pending permanent arrangements for the diocese) |
The Context of His Removal
The process leading to Bishop Strickland's removal began with Pope Francis requesting his resignation from office. When Bishop Strickland declined this request, Pope Francis proceeded to forcibly remove him. This significant step reflects a direct intervention by the Holy See regarding the leadership of the Diocese of Tyler.
What This Means for the Diocese of Tyler
Following Strickland's removal, Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Joe Vasquez of Austin to serve as the administrator of the Diocese of Tyler. This appointment is a temporary measure, put in place while the Church makes more permanent arrangements for the leadership of the diocese.
