Vatican replaces Puerto Rico bishop who alleges persecution

Source: Associated Press

Vatican replaces Puerto Rico bishop who alleges persecution

By DÁNICA COTO
March 9, 2022

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — The bishop of the Arecibo diocese in Puerto Rico said Wednesday that the Vatican dismissed him against his wishes, a rare move for the Holy See.

The announcement comes nearly a year after Monsignor Daniel Fernández declined to sign a decree issued by the Puerto Rican Episcopal Conference declaring that unvaccinated parishioners would be separated from vaccinated ones during activities including the presentation of bread and wine at the altar.

The Episcopal Conference also suggested that unvaccinated parishioners avoid other in-person church activities until further notice.

“We’re taking this measure for your own safety, and for that of priests, religious people and also relatives and parishioners,” the Aug. 24, 2021, decree stated.

-snip-

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/health-religion-puerto-rico-6593163326d0d057b00ff85727ad39c1