The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of a Chaldean Catholic bishop in California after the church leader was arrested and charged in a financial crime investigation. The decision was announced Tuesday following the bishop’s arraignment on multiple felony charges.
The case has drawn attention within the Chaldean Catholic community as legal proceedings continue and church leadership temporarily changes in the San Diego region.
Pope Leo XIV Accepts Bishop’s Resignation
The Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Emanuel Shaleta, who served as the Chaldean Catholic bishop of San Diego, California.
According to the Vatican’s daily bulletin, the resignation was accepted under canon law governing Eastern Rite Catholic churches. The rules allow a bishop to step down if the pope agrees to the request.
Church officials said Shaleta had actually submitted his resignation earlier in February. However, the Vatican delayed the public announcement until after his arrest became public to avoid interfering with the investigation.
Bishop Faces Multiple Felony Charges
Bishop Emanuel Shaleta appeared in court Monday in California and pleaded not guilty to 17 felony charges.
Prosecutors accuse him of embezzlement and money laundering related to church finances.
Authorities claim Shaleta allegedly misused about $270,000 from St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Cathedral located in El Cajon, California.
Despite the charges, Shaleta has denied any wrongdoing.
Arrest at San Diego Airport
Shaleta was arrested on March 5 at San Diego International Airport while attempting to leave the country.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office said the arrest followed reports and documents submitted by someone connected to the church that suggested potential financial misconduct.
Officials said the evidence raised concerns about possible misuse of church funds.
Bail Set at $125,000
During the court hearing, the judge set bail for Shaleta at $125,000.
Prosecutor Joel Madero argued that Shaleta could be a flight risk because he was attempting to leave the country at the time of his arrest.
However, the bishop’s defense attorney said the international trip had been planned earlier and was unrelated to the investigation.
Allegations Involve Missing Rental Payments
According to prosecutors, the alleged financial misconduct involves rental payments connected to church property.
Authorities say the church’s social hall was rented to a tenant who was paying more than $30,000 each month.
Prosecutors claim those payments were not properly recorded in church accounts.
Investigators say the bishop was unable to provide documentation explaining where the missing funds went.
Bishop Denies Misusing Church Funds
During a recent Mass, Shaleta publicly addressed the accusations against him.
He told members of the congregation that he had never misused church money.
According to Shaleta, he worked carefully to manage donations and protect church resources.
His attorney, Sharon Appelbaum, also said she plans to present evidence in court to show the accusations are false.
Support from Fellow Clergy
Despite the criminal charges, Shaleta has received support from members of the church community.
Priests from the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle released a statement expressing solidarity with him.
Supporters attended his court hearing as the case moved forward.
Temporary Church Leadership Appointed
Following the resignation, the Vatican appointed Bishop Saad Hanna Sirop as the temporary administrator for the Chaldean Catholic diocese in San Diego.
He will oversee the church operations while the investigation and legal proceedings continue.
Background of Bishop Emanuel Shaleta
Emanuel Shaleta has served in the Chaldean Catholic Church for several decades.
Key milestones in his career include:
| Career Timeline | Details |
|---|---|
| Ordained as priest | 1984 in Detroit |
| Appointed bishop in San Diego | 2017 |
| Age | 69 years old |
The Chaldean Catholic Church is part of the Eastern Rite Catholic tradition and maintains full communion with the Roman Catholic Church.
