Pope Leo XIV Accepts Resignation of Arrested San Diego Bishop

Bishop Emmanuel Shaleta of the Chaldean Catholic Church in San Diego has resigned following his arrest on embezzlement charges. The Vatican announced Pope Leo XIV accepted Shaleta's resignation, which was submitted in February, after the bishop was detained attempting to leave the country.

Pope Leo XIV has officially accepted the resignation of Bishop Emmanuel Shaleta from the Chaldean Catholic Church in San Diego. The decision was publicized on Tuesday by the Vatican following Shaleta's arrest on embezzlement charges.

San Diego County Sheriff's Office disclosed last week that Bishop Shaleta was detained on March 5 at San Diego International Airport. His arrest came as a result of allegations and documentation indicating potential embezzlement from his church, provided by a member of Shaleta's parish.

The arrested bishop was held on a $125,000 bail, facing eight counts, including money laundering and aggravated white-collar crime. Despite a lack of immediate response for comments from Shaleta's parish, the Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo had approved his resignation in February, with the announcement delayed to avoid affecting the ongoing investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)