Bp. Strickland Gets ‘Visit’ From Rome

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DETROIT (ChurchMilitant.com) - According to Church Militant sources, the bishop of Tyler, Texas, Joseph Strickland, is currently undergoing an "apostolic visitation" from the Vatican's Dicastery for Bishops.

The immediate focus of the examination is unknown at this time, but the increasingly outspoken prelate, dubbed "America's bishop," has certainly irritated high-ranking members of the hierarchy by defending the Deposit of Faith and condemning the more heterodox opinions of various other prelates.

He was the only U.S. bishop to attend the June 16 protest against the Los Angeles Dodgers for the team's support of the blasphemous Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. It created something of an embarrassment for L.A. Abp. Jose Gómez and his auxiliary bishops.

Strickland has stepped up his social media postings over the past year, going after increasingly confusing comments and holding accountable multiple members of the worldwide hierarchy.

While not confirmed, there is widespread speculation in certain circles that Rome is now striking back. 

Archbishop Robert Francis Prevost, the recently appointed prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, ordered Strickland's visitation, and it is being carried out by two U.S. bishops acting on behalf of the dicastery's directive. 

The two bishops, sources report, are the rather notorious Bp. Gerald Frederick Kicanas and auxiliary Bp. Dennis Joseph Sullivan. According to those on the ground, the pair was in Tyler for a full week questioning multiple employees of the diocese. 

Church Militant reached out to Bp. Strickland for any comment but have received no reply. 

According to sources in Rome, some Vatican and U.S. bishops don't like Strickland's repeated public defense of Church teachings and some in Rome are labeling his speech and social media postings as "imprudent." 

It is unclear whether the visitation is a warning to the 63-year-old bishop or a prelude to his removal. What appears to be clear is that, whatever the official reason, it is most likely a pretext to silence Strickland's comments, according to Church Militant sources.

Church Militant broke this developing story, and we will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

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