Exclusive: Bishop Strickland Reveals Worry Over Growing Divide Between US and Vatican

Joseph Strickland, the former bishop of the Diocese of Tyler, Texas, told Newsweek that he was deeply concerned over who would be chosen to succeed Pope Francis as leader of the Roman Catholic Church and the growing divide between the U.S. and the Vatican.

"I am concerned, yes—but not primarily about diplomatic ties or political alliances," he said. "What worries me is the deeper moral and spiritual divide between the prevailing culture in the United States and the truths the Church is called to proclaim."

Why It Matters

Francis, whose real name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died on April 21, marking the end of a 12-year papacy that saw the late pontiff trying to adjust the Roman Catholic Church to a changing, modern world.

The conclave, a closed-door gathering of all cardinals under the age of 80 who choose the next pontiff from among themselves, could decide whether the church will continue in the footsteps of the relatively progressive Francis or choose a more conservative, traditionalist leader—as Strickland hopes.

What To Know

Francis, who died at the age of 88 and was buried on Saturday in the St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, was considered by many a liberal and progressive leader of the church. During his papacy, Francis argued to combat climate change and advocated for social justice while trying to open the church to LGBTQ+ communities.

For these efforts, he was often criticized by conservative forces within the church, including Strickland, who in a letter sent from Mar-a-Lago in March accused Francis of failing to "refuse" the "siren call of sodomy."

At that time, Strickland had already been removed from his post at the Tyler Diocese under Francis' order after an investigation into his handling of the church in 2023 found his continuation in office "was not feasible." Strickland, who became an even more vocal critic of the pope after that, said he was removed "because forces in the church right now don't want the truth of the Gospel."

Strickland is now concerned that the conclave, which is gathering on May 7, will continue Francis' legacy.

"My concern is that the conclave could seek to extend the direction taken during Pope Francis' pontificate, with less emphasis on doctrinal clarity and liturgical tradition," he said.

"Since many of the electors were appointed by him, there's a real possibility the outcome could reflect personal or political alignments rather than a true openness to the Holy Ghost," he continued. "Still, my trust is in Christ, who never abandons His Church. I pray the next pope will be a man of deep faith, courage, and fidelity to our sacred Tradition."

'A Man of Deep Personal Holiness in a Time of Confusion'

Strickland did not have a specific name in mind for whom he would like to be elected as the next pope, but he had an idea of the qualities needed for the role.

"He must be a man of deep personal holiness, with a profound love for Jesus Christ and His Church. He should be courageous, willing to defend the Faith without compromise, especially in a time of confusion," he said.

"He must also be rooted in Tradition, with a reverence for the sacred liturgy, and a clear teacher who proclaims the truth in charity but without ambiguity," Strickland continued. "The Church needs a shepherd who unites, not by erasing differences, but by calling all souls back to the heart of Christ through fidelity, clarity, and sacrificial love."

The Future of U.S.-Vatican Relations

Francis was known to be critical of President Donald Trump, whose aggressive stance against migration he had already condemned as "not Christian" in 2016. Despite the public clashes between the two men, Trump attended Francis' funeral on Saturday "out of respect," praising the late pontiff as a "good man" who "loved the world."

Should the next pope be chosen in the mold of Francis, it is likely there will be new clashes between the leader of the Roman Catholic Church and the Trump administration. Strickland said he was deeply concerned over the future of the relations between the U.S. and the Vatican, which he saw as walking in different directions.

"When the Vatican appears to accommodate secular ideologies rather than confront them with the Gospel, it creates confusion among the faithful," he said. "The next pope must have the courage to speak truth to power—not just to governments, but to a world that is losing its sense of God."

According to Strickland, the biggest problems within the church at the moment are a "loss of faith" and what he called "the widespread erosion of belief" in the authority of the sacred scriptures and tradition.

"This has led to confusion among the faithful, division within the hierarchy, and a Church that often seems to mirror the world rather than challenge it," Strickland said.

"The next pope must address this crisis by restoring clarity, reverence, and a firm proclamation of the truths of the Catholic Faith. Without truth, charity loses its power—and without faith, the Church cannot fulfill her mission," he added.

What Happens Next

The conclave is expected to comprise 135 cardinals under the age of 80. They are scheduled to gather inside the Sistine Chapel on May 7, remaining there until a two-thirds majority backs the same candidate to become the next pope.

While there is much speculation about the front-runners to succeed Francis, the process of choosing a new pope is largely unpredictable. As Strickland said, a majority of those in the conclave were appointed by Francis. However, that does not mean they will vote in line with the late pontiff.

As for Strickland, he did not hope that a more conservative pope would reinstate him in his role as the bishop of the Tyler Diocese.

"My hope is not to regain any particular role or office, but to remain faithful to the mission God has given me," he said.

"I loved the people of the Diocese of Tyler dearly, and serving them as their bishop was one of the greatest privileges of my life. But I also recognize that the Lord often calls us beyond what is familiar, and I believe He is now asking me to serve the wider Church in a different way," he added.

Strickland continued: "My vocation has not changed—only the scope of it. I trust in God's providence and remain at the service of the Church, wherever that may lead."