An outspoken Catholic bishop in Texas who has harshly condemned President Biden and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, even referencing Biden’s “fake Catholicism,” was targeted with an apparent investigation by the Vatican.
Bishop Joseph Strickland, of Tyler, has routinely slammed Biden on social media, including earlier this year when the president cited Pope Francis to buttress his claim that federal funding for abortions should continue.
“Mr. Biden can’t be allowed to twist the words of Pope Francis in this way,” Strickland tweeted. “I implore the Vatican press office to emphatically clarify that Pope Francis rightly calls abortion murder. It is time to denounce Biden’s fake Catholicism.”
Mr Biden can’t be allowed to twist the words of Pope Francis in this way. I implore the Vatican press office to emphatically clarify that Pope Francis rightly calls abortion murder. It is time to denounce Biden’s fake Catholicism. https://t.co/RBEbWmczsl
— Bishop J. Strickland (@Bishopoftyler) January 31, 2023
In March, Strickland called the Biden administration corrupt.
“As our corrupt Biden-lead [sic] government slides closer to collapse it becomes more critical that we get our spiritual house in order,” he wrote on Twitter. “Repent, turn to God, atone for your sins & resolve to live the truth no matter what, Jesus is about eternity.”
As our corrupt Biden-lead government slides closer to collapse it becomes more critical that we get our spiritual house in order. Repent, turn to God, atone for your sins & resolve to live the truth no matter what, Jesus is about eternity. pic.twitter.com/1AWLmE5Zfo
— Bishop J. Strickland (@Bishopoftyler) March 21, 2023
Responding to an article this week noting Pelosi’s support for abortion, Strickland tweeted, “Pray for her heart & the hearts of many to turn from the ways of death and embrace the way of the Lord of Life, Jesus Christ.”
Pray for her heart & the hearts of many to turn from the ways of death and embrace the way of the Lord of Life, Jesus Christ… https://t.co/OhTDKiXNrP
— Bishop J. Strickland (@Bishopoftyler) June 27, 2023
Strickland has not been averse to criticizing the Pope, either. In May he wrote, “I believe Pope Francis is the Pope but it is time for me to say that I reject his program of undermining the Deposit of Faith. Follow Jesus.”
Please allow me to clarify regarding, “Patrick Coffin has challenged the authenticity of the Pope Francis.” If this is accurate I disagree, I believe Pope Francis is the Pope but it is time for me to say that I reject his program of undermining the Deposit of Faith. Follow Jesus.
— Bishop J. Strickland (@Bishopoftyler) May 13, 2023
Earlier this month, Strickland joined a eucharistic procession and prayer rally in Los Angeles to protest the Los Angeles Dodgers’ presenting an anti-Catholic group at the team’s annual Pride Night game.
After that, Strickland noted a photo of a gay pride parade where naked men appeared in front of children, tweeting, “It’s imprudent to speak out against this wonton evil? I disagree. I believe the imprudence is that their [sic] is not a might roar from people of faith saying, ‘These atrocities against our innocent children CANNOT be tolerated.”
It’s imprudent to speak out against this wonton evil? I disagree, I believe the imprudence is that their is not a might roar from people of faith saying, “These atrocities against our innocent children CANNOT be tolerated. https://t.co/Z3dmTyUBjw
— Bishop J. Strickland (@Bishopoftyler) June 27, 2023
According to the Catholic News Agency, Pope Francis ordered a formal investigation into Strickland and his diocese. The apostolic visitation was reportedly headed by Bishop Emeritus Gerald Kicanas of Tucson and Bishop Dennis Sullivan of Camden, N.J.
On Thursday, in the wake of the alleged investigation, Strickland tweeted, “The greatest blessing & joy in my life is to shepherd the flock of Tyler. I speak the truth because it gives me joy & I must share it. I am not America’s Bishop but I pray that speaking truth with clarity & charity will inspire America’s Bishops to join me in speaking truth.”
The greatest blessing & joy in my life is to shepherd the flock of Tyler. I speak the truth because it gives me joy & I must share it. I am not America’s Bishop but I pray that speaking truth with clarity & charity will inspire America’s Bishops to join me in speaking truth. pic.twitter.com/XBehPt3aRo
— Bishop J. Strickland (@Bishopoftyler) June 28, 2023