Bishop Joe Vásquez of Austin has been appointed as the apostolic administrator in Strickland's place.
Pope Francis has dismissed Bishop Joseph E. Strickland from the pastoral governance of the diocese of Tyler, Texas.
Strickland had been asked to resign but refused, prompting the Pope's intervention.
Strickland has been a vocal critic of Pope Francis's moderate views on issues such as abortion and LGBT rights.
In an unusual move, Pope Francis has dismissed Bishop Joseph E. Strickland from the pastoral governance of the diocese of Tyler, Texas. The decision was made following an apostolic visitation ordered by the Pope last June, which was conducted by two US bishops. Bishop Joe Vásquez of Austin has been appointed as the apostolic administrator in Strickland's place.
Strickland, a known critic of Pope Francis, has been vocal about his disagreements with the Pope's moderate views on issues such as abortion and LGBT rights. He has also suggested that his refusal to restrict the use of the old-style Latin Mass favored by conservatives was one reason for his dismissal. Strickland's dismissal is considered rare as bishops in trouble with the Vatican are usually asked to resign.
The Vatican did not provide a detailed explanation for the dismissal. However, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo revealed that Strickland had been asked to resign but refused, prompting the Pope's intervention. Strickland, who was appointed by the late Pope Benedict XVI in 2012, has been a prominent figure in the ultra-conservative wing of the US Church.
Strickland's dismissal comes amidst a time of change within the Catholic Church, with Pope Francis attempting to make the Church more welcoming to the LGBT community and other marginalized groups. This move is seen as part of the Pope's ongoing efforts to steer the Church in a more inclusive direction.
Strickland has established himself as a voice of the ultra-conservative wing of the US Church, and has a national following. He is also a supporter of former US President Donald Trump.