VATICAN CITY, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Pope Francis has dismissed Bishop Joseph E. Strickland of Tyler, Texas, one of his fiercest critics among U.S. Catholic conservatives, a Vatican statement said on Saturday.
It is very rare for a Roman Catholic bishop to be relieved of his duties outright.
Usually bishops in trouble with the Vatican are asked to resign before submitting a resignation, which the pope accepts.
Popes make such moves, considered drastic, when a bishop refuses a request to resign.
Francis named the bishop of Austin, Texas, Joe Vasquez, as the interim administrator of the diocese, the statement said.
Persons:
Pope Francis, Bishop Joseph E . Strickland, Strickland, Francis, Joe Vasquez, Phil Pullella, Alvise Armellini, Kirsten Donovan
Organizations:
CITY, U.S, Roman, Vatican, Bishops Conference, Thomson
Locations:
Tyler , Texas, Tyler, Austin , Texas