Pope Francis has forcibly removed Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas, who has been a vocal critic of the pontiff and a symbol of polarization within the U.S. Catholic hierarchy. The Vatican sent investigators to look into Strickland's governance of the diocese earlier this year, but the findings were never released. Strickland had refused to resign voluntarily, prompting Francis to remove him from office. The move has sparked outcry among conservatives and traditionalists who saw Strickland as a leading figure against Francis' progressive reforms. It is rare for the pope to forcibly remove a bishop from office.

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