An American bishop investigated by the Vatican following his criticism of Pope Francis has vowed to remain in office.
Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas, spoke after reports claimed it was likely that the Holy Father would request that he stands down.
The Vatican’s Dicastery of Bishops has completed an apostolic visitation into his conduct and the diocese in the summer.
The conclusions of the investigation were said to have been presented to the Pontiff at the weekend by a delegation including Archbishop Robert Prevost, prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, and Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the papal nuncio to the United States, and there was speculation that a request for Bishop Strickland’s resignation would be recommended.
