Pope Removes Bishop Emanuel Shaleta in San Diego, Appoints Interim Leader

Overview

• Pope Leo XIV on March 10 accepted Shaleta's resignation and declared the Chaldean eparchy in San Diego vacant.
• Dom Saad Hanna Sirop was named apostolic administrator to oversee the eparchy during the vacancy.
• Sheriff officials say Shaleta was arrested March 5 at San Diego International Airport while attempting to leave the United States.
• Prosecutors allege about $250,000 was taken from church funds in 2024 after a staff member reported missing money.
• The Pillar reported diverted rental and charity funds and documented visits to a Tijuana club, while authorities have not indicated ties to trafficking or abuse of minors.