The Vatican

Vatican removes San Diego Chaldean Bishop following embezzlement arrest; Cardinal also steps down

East County News Service
 
March 10, 2026 (El Cajon) – The Vatican on Tuesday formally accepted the resignation of Bishop Emanuel Shaleta, the leader of the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle in El Cajon on Jamacha Way, following his arrest last week on felony financial charges.
 
In a concurrent announcement, the Holy See confirmed the departure of Cardinal Louis Raphaël I Sako, the global head of the Chaldean Catholic Church.
 
The move comes one day after Shaleta was arraigned on 16 felony counts, including eight counts of embezzlement and eight counts of money laundering. He entered a not guilty plea.
 
Shaleta, 69, was arrested on March 5 at San Diego International Airport by San Diego County Sheriff’s Department deputies who alleged he was attempting to leave the country.

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