Pope Francis Fires U.S. Bishop for Trump Support and Capitol Riot Role

Bishop Joseph Strickland of the United States, who sparked controversy by publicly expressing his support for former President Donald Trump, has been dismissed.

According to major foreign media on the 11th (local time), the Vatican announced that Pope Francis appointed Bishop Joe Vasquez as the temporary administrator of the Austin Diocese in Texas, which Strickland had overseen.

Former Bishop Strickland, known for his conservative leanings, was active on social media and stirred up numerous controversies, including disseminating messages against COVID-19 vaccination. The Vatican had been conducting disciplinary investigations in response.

Above all, Strickland had prayed at the Jericho March, a Trump-supporting event held in Washington DC, just before the Capitol Riot on January 6, 2021, instigated by supporters of the former President Trump, who lost in the U.S. elections.

The Vatican also dismissed Father Frank Pavone, an anti-abortionist, last December on charges of distributing a video with the remains of a fetus on the altar.

By. Kim Dae Hyun