All articles tagged with #vatican investigation
Pope Leo XIV publicly committed to eradicating all forms of abuse within the Catholic Church, emphasizing the importance of a culture of prevention and praising the role of independent journalism in democracy, amidst ongoing scandals and survivor concerns.
Bishop Joseph Strickland, who was recently ousted by Pope Francis, rallied with his supporters outside the annual fall business meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Meanwhile, inside the meeting, the bishops approved a document emphasizing the church's teachings on issues such as anti-abortion and pro-immigration for Catholic voters. Strickland's removal was due to his severe criticism of the pontiff, but he expressed respect for the Vatican's decision. His supporters voiced concerns about the bishop's removal, disagreeing with the pope's stance on LGBTQ+ inclusion and climate change.
Bishop Richard Stika of Knoxville, Tennessee, has resigned after facing complaints about his leadership and lawsuits regarding his handling of sexual abuse claims. The Vatican accepted his resignation, which comes after two years of turmoil in the diocese. Priests in the diocese had made direct complaints about him, and a Vatican investigation took place last year. Lawsuits accused him of obstructing investigations into sexual misconduct allegations. Bishop Stika, who has been diabetic for decades and has experienced health issues, stated that he requested retirement for health reasons. He defended his leadership, citing the opening of new parishes, ordinations of new priests, and stable finances. The Vatican has also opened an investigation into the diocese of Tyler, Texas.
Louisville Archbishop Shelton Fabre has been appointed by the Vatican to oversee the Diocese of Knoxville after Bishop Richard Stika resigned under pressure following allegations of mishandling sex abuse allegations and complaints about his leadership and behavior. Fabre will serve as the temporary Apostolic Administrator until a new bishop is installed, splitting his time between Louisville and Knoxville. Stika's resignation marks the end of a turbulent chapter for the diocese, which saw priests revolt and appeal to the Vatican for relief. Stika is also facing lawsuits accusing him of mishandling sexual abuse allegations and seeking to silence accusers.
Bishop Richard Stika of Knoxville, Tennessee, has resigned following allegations of mishandling sex abuse allegations and complaints from several priests about his leadership and behavior. The Vatican authorized an investigation of the diocese, called an “apostolic visitation,” that took place in late 2022. Stika is also the subject of at least two lawsuits that accuse him of mishandling sexual abuse allegations and seeking to silence the accusers. Pope Francis accepted Stika’s resignation, and the archbishop of Louisville, Kentucky, the Most Reverend Shelton Fabre, was named temporary administrator to run the diocese until a new bishop is installed.