Dispute over ordinations and governance – Pope accepts bishop's resignation

Following suspended priestly ordinations, controversial monastery foundations and apostolic visitations, Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of the Bishop of Fréjus-Toulon, Dominique Rey. This was announced by the Vatican on Tuesday. Rey is 72 years old and his resignation would normally have been due in 2027.

Shortly before the Vatican announcement, Rey made a statement on X on Tuesday. He explained that the Pope's ambassador had asked him to resign as diocesan bishop. According to Rey, the Pope personally urged him not to resign a year ago. He does not know what has changed since then.

Haven for traditionalists

Rey's resignation marks the end of turbulent times in the southern French diocese. The reason: during his 23 years in office, Rey had established a large number of religious orders and spiritual communities from the charismatic and traditionalist spectrum. The diocese's website now lists over 50 groups. According to media reports, several of the communities have now come under scrutiny under canon law, mostly in connection with sectarian practices, spiritual or sexual abuse of power by founding figures or other members of their clergy.

Above all, Rey himself is said to have not always shown the necessary care when admitting candidates for ordination. After several admonitions, Rome prohibited the bishop from ordaining four priests and six deacons in 2022. In 2022 and 2023, Rey's conduct in office was investigated by the Vatican. In November 2023, Rey was finally assigned Bishop François Touvet as coadjutor, who took over some of the powers of the diocesan bishop. Touvet is now fully in charge of the French diocese. (KNA)