San Diego Bishop Faces Charges: Alleged Embezzlement Shakes Catholic Community

Pope Leo has accepted the resignation of Bishop Emanuel Hana Shaleta of San Diego, who was arrested for allegedly embezzling $250,000 from his congregation. Local media reported 16 counts of financial misconduct against him. Shaleta was detained attempting to flee the country and pleaded not guilty.

Pope Leo has accepted the resignation of a Catholic bishop in San Diego arrested on suspicion of embezzling $250,000 from his congregation, the Vatican announced on Tuesday. Bishop Emanuel Hana Shaleta is now facing serious charges that have shaken the local Chaldean community.

According to local media, Deputy District Attorney Joel Madero described alleged financial misconduct occurring in 2024, reported by a church employee who detected missing funds. The sheriff's office stated that Shaleta was arrested on March 5 at San Diego International Airport as he tried to leave the United States.

At the hearing, Shaleta's lawyer argued the bishop was on a planned trip to Germany. Despite accepting the pope's authority, Chaldean Catholics follow an eastern Christian rite. Roughly 71,000 Chaldean Catholics reside in San Diego, per Vatican figures.

(With inputs from agencies.)