Pope Leo fires San Diego bishop accused of stealing $250,000 - Reuters

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMingFBVV95cUxObDEzVEp1RGxLOGNTdjdST1JWNVVLOTEzRTZEeWFGTGRuUlBJR1JOQmtiQloxVU9fMG1Jc1MyZEl5SnpYdG9RMVA1U2Q1XzhERk04a2RjVXNlbFBPOGM2b19YS0NlVEYzeHNBN0NkRnN0SGNuaDV6UkNaLXh1Q3BSNnF3QkJrcVY5eVNaSTlBa0cwU0kybFdvcjNYZHpjQQ?oc=5" target="_blank">Pope Leo fires San Diego bishop accused of stealing $250,000</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Emmanuel Hana Shaleta, who was arrested on March 5 at San Diego International Airport while attempting to leave the U.S. Shaleta faces 16 counts of embezzlement and money laundering, with alleged crimes reported by a church employee in 2024. The bishop's lawyer stated he was taking a planned trip to Germany. Chaldean Catholics recognize the authority of the pope but follow an eastern Christian liturgical rite, with approximately 71,000 members in San Diego.

Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of Bishop Emanuel Hana Shaleta, who was arrested by local authorities on suspicion of stealing $250,000 from his congregation. Shaleta pleaded not guilty to 16 counts of embezzlement and money laundering at a hearing on March 9. The alleged crimes took place in 2024 and were reported by a church employee who noticed missing funds. Shaleta was arrested on March 5 at San Diego International Airport while attempting to leave the U.S. for a planned trip to Germany.

Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of Bishop Emanuel Hana Shaleta, who was arrested by local authorities on suspicion of stealing $250,000 from his congregation. Shaleta pleaded not guilty to 16 counts of embezzlement and money laundering at a hearing on March 9. The alleged crimes took place in 2024 and were reported by a church employee who noticed missing funds. Shaleta was arrested on March 5 at San Diego International Airport while attempting to leave the U.S. for a planned trip to Germany.

Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of Bishop Emmanuel Shaleta of San Diego after his arrest on embezzlement charges. Shaleta was apprehended on March 5 at San Diego International Airport while attempting to leave the country. He faces eight counts, including embezzlement and money laundering, with bail set at $125,000. The Vatican had previously accepted his resignation in February but delayed the announcement to avoid interfering with the investigation. Bishop Saad Hanna Sirop has been appointed as the temporary administrator of the diocese.

Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of Bishop Emmanuel Shaleta of San Diego after his arrest on embezzlement charges. Shaleta was apprehended on March 5 at San Diego International Airport while attempting to leave the country. He faces eight counts, including embezzlement and money laundering, with bail set at $125,000. The Vatican had previously accepted his resignation in February but delayed the announcement to avoid interfering with the investigation. Bishop Saad Hanna Sirop has been appointed as the temporary administrator of the diocese.