This footage was filmed and produced 12 November 2023.

Pope Francis removed U.S. Bishop Joseph Strickland, a prominent conservative who repeatedly criticized his pontificate, the Vatican announced Saturday.

"The Holy Father removed Joseph E. Strickland from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Tyler" in the United States, the Holy See announced in a statement.

Austin Bishop Joe Vasquez was appointed apostolic administrator of the diocese, the note said.

Francis in June sent two U.S. bishops to the diocese, located in Texas, to conduct an investigation ordered by the pope into "all aspects of governance and leadership" of Strickland.

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, also of Texas, said the so-called apostolic visitation in June had reported that it was "unfeasible" for the bishop to remain in office.

According to experts, it is extremely rare for a bishop to be removed directly from his responsibilities, rather than being encouraged or ordered to resign.

"I stand by all the things that were listed as complaints against me," Strickland said Saturday in an article posted on a Canadian Catholic website.

This footage illustrates crowds of people in the streets of Vatican.