Thedisgraced San Diego bishopaccused of frequenting Mexican brothels and stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from his church was officially booted from his role by Pope Leo XIV.
Bishop Emanuel Shaleta’sresignation was accepted by the 70-year-old pontiff on Tuesday, the same day he was released from prison after posting a $125,000 bail, the Vatican announced.
“The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the eparchy of Saint Peter the Apostle of San Diego of the Chaldeans, United States of America, presented by Bishop Emanuel Hana Shaleta,”Vatican officialssaid in a statement.
Shaleta, who submitted his resignation to Pope Leo in January, was arrested on March 6 at the San Diego International Airport when he attempting to board an international flight to Germany with over $9,000 in his bag, officials claimed.
The 69-year-old prelate was charged with eight counts of embezzlement, eight counts of money laundering and one count of aggravated white collar crime enhancement.
During his arraignment on Monday, Shaleta pleaded not guilty to 15 felony counts of financial crimes but remained behind bars at the San Diego County Jail after he was unable to post bail until Tuesday.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office was first tipped off to Shaleta’s alleged crimes in August 2025, when an official from St. Peter Chaldean Church in El Cajon shared statements and documents that showed the bishop’s unholy workings.
Last month,Catholic news outlet The Pillar reportedthat the bishop allegedly diverted rental payments from church property for personal use and later covered his tracks with charity funds.
Investigators allegedly found at least $427,000 were missing from church finances with the figure possibly reaching $1 million.
“I have never — in my episcopal life — have I used any penny of the church money,” Shaleta said. “On the contrary: I have done my best to preserve and manage the donations,” also saying, “you are the only one who can believe me and defend my integrity in the church financial matters and in life.”
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
