10.03.2026 19:42
Pope Leo XIV removed Chaldean Bishop Emanuel Hana Shaleta, who was facing charges of money laundering and embezzlement in the United States. Saad Hanna Sirop was appointed as the bishop's replacement.
It has been reported that the President of the Vatican State, Pope Leo XIII, has suspended the Chaldean Bishop Emanuel Hana Shaleta of the Diocese of San Pedro in San Diego, who is facing allegations of money laundering and embezzlement in the United States.
POPE REMOVED BISHOP TAKEN INTO CUSTODY
According to reports in the Italian press, it was stated that Shaleta, who was taken into custody at San Diego International Airport on March 5 while attempting to leave the United States due to allegations of embezzlement and money laundering, was removed from his position by the Pope, the head of the Catholic Church.
In a written statement from the Vatican, it was noted that Shaleta's request to resign was accepted by the Pope. The statement mentioned that Pope Leo XIII temporarily appointed Bishop Saad Hanna Sirop to take over Shaleta's duties.