The Vatican's Dicastery for Bishops has concluded a formal investigation of Bishop Joseph E. Strickland and the Diocese of Tyler, Texas.
This inquiry, known as an apostolic visitation, is an uncommon but not unprecedented intervention by Rome in a U.S. diocese and indicates potential disciplinary action against Bishop Strickland. The bishop, who is known for his staunch defense of Catholic orthodoxy and conservative values, has gained popularity among U.S. conservatives as a champion in the culture war.
Bishop Strickland, 64, has faced criticism for his social media posts, which some consider to be intemperate and unbecoming of a prominent prelate. In a tweet on May 12, he suggested that Pope Francis was "undermining the Deposit of Faith." This incident, among others, drew attention to the bishop's conduct and prompted the apostolic visitation.
Recently, Bishop Strickland made headlines for his involvement in a eucharistic procession and prayer rally held on June 16 in Los Angeles. The event was organized to protest the Los Angeles Dodgers for honoring an anti-Catholic drag group during their annual Pride Night game. While some praised Bishop Strickland's leadership in joining the protest, others viewed his participation as a breach of ecclesiastical protocol since he is from a different diocese. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles, which condemned the Dodgers' actions, clarified that it had not provided backing or approval for the rally.
On June 21, Bishop Strickland criticized a newly released Vatican document that proposed discussion topics for an upcoming assembly linked to the ongoing Synod on Synodality. The document touched on sensitive subjects such as women deacons, married priests, and greater inclusion for LGBT individuals.
The apostolic visitation involved interviews with clergy and laity from the Diocese of Tyler throughout the preceding week. The investigation was led by Bishop Emeritus Gerald Kicanas of Tucson and Bishop Dennis Sullivan of Camden, New Jersey. The visitation concluded with a meeting between Bishop Strickland and the inquiry leaders on Saturday morning. The outcome of the investigation and the subsequent course of action remain uncertain.
While a source close to Bishop Strickland stated that he does not want to make too big of a deal out of the visitation, a priest revealed that interviewers were already inquiring about potential candidates to replace him. The repercussions of the investigation and any disciplinary measures will likely have significant implications for both Bishop Strickland and the Diocese of Tyler.
