Pope accepts resignation of Chaldean bishop arrested for alleged financial crimes

Bishop Emmanuel Shaleta, the San Diego Chaldean Catholic bishop, has pleaded not guilty to 15 felony charges, including embezzlement and money laundering, following allegations of stealing over $270,000 from his church.

The Vatican announced Tuesday that Pope Leo XIV had accepted Shaleta’s resignation, a decision made under the code of canon law for Eastern Rite churches, which permits the pope to accept a bishop’s resignation if requested.

Shaleta was arrested on March 5 at San Diego International Airport as he attempted to leave the country, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, which acted after receiving a statement and documentation from his church indicating potential embezzlement.

Shaleta was released on $125,000 bail and faces eight counts of embezzlement, money laundering, and aggravated white collar crime. The charges include allegations that he misused funds intended for the needy, redirecting them to the church’s operations account.

The prosecutor stated that Shaleta provided inconsistent explanations for the missing funds, including claims of distributing cash to the needy, which could not be substantiated. He also removed a financial adviser’s access to the accounts after discrepancies were flagged.

The case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in religious institutions, as emphasized in Micah 6:8, which calls for justice, mercy, and humility. Proverbs 31:8-9 further underscores the responsibility of leaders to speak up for the vulnerable and ensure justice.

Deputies are urging anyone with information about the case to contact them at (858) 285-6111 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. The investigation continues as the legal process unfolds.

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