The Vatican announced on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, that Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Chaldean Bishop Emanuel Hana Shaleta from the pastoral governance of the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle in San Diego, following his arrest in the United States on alleged financial crimes.

The decision was announced in Washington, D.C., by Cardinal Christophe Pierre. The Vatican’s daily bulletin confirmed the departure of the prelate.

"The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral governance of the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle in San Diego (U.S.) submitted by His Eminence Emanuel Hana Shaleta," the Vatican statement read.

🚨FLASH I Monseigneur Emanuel Shaleta, évêque catholique chaldéen, arrêté pour des accusations de détournement de fonds et blanchiment d’argent

🔴⚡️Le prélat qui clame son innocence ,est actuellement détenu à la prison centrale de San Diego. Sa caution a été fixée à 125 000… pic.twitter.com/YXRzYuiHoi

— Tribune Chrétienne (@tribuchretienne) March 7, 2026

At the same time, the pope appointed Saad Sirop Hanna, titular bishop of Hirta, as apostolic administrator sede vacante, who will temporarily oversee the eparchy.

Bishop Shaleta was arrested on March 5 at San Diego International Airport while attempting to leave the United States. San Diego County authorities have accused him of alleged embezzlement and money laundering involving church funds.

Court records indicate that the bishop faces up to 16 financial crime charges and appeared in court on Monday, pleading not guilty. Officials confirmed that the arrest occurred “while attempting to leave the country,” according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy District Attorney Joel Madero stated that the alleged crimes took place in 2024 and were discovered after a church employee noticed irregularities in the parish accounts.

The investigation reportedly began in August 2025, when representatives of St. Peter Chaldean Church in El Cajon submitted documents to authorities highlighting possible financial anomalies. 

Specialized reports by The Pillar indicate that the allegedly misappropriated funds could exceed $250,000, connected to church property revenues.

@crealanoticia Detenido obispo en plena cuaresma por gastarse los fondos en el Hong Kong #Tijuana 😳💸 Imagínate dar tu limosna con toda la fe del mundo para que termine en la pasarela del "HK". Emanuel Shaleta, el ahora exobispo de California, fue interceptado en el aeropuerto de San Diego antes de que irse de viaje. ¿El pecado? Un "faltante" de medio millón de dólares que debían ir a obras de caridad. 🚨 Ojo aquí, el clérigo era cliente frecuente en la Zona Norte de Tijuana. Mientras en la iglesia pedía limosna, en el Hong Kong Gentlemen’s Club se presume que se gastaba los fondos destinados al altruismo. El Vaticano ya le aceptó la renuncia (obviamente) y ahora el señor está tras las rejas en San Diego. 🚔👀 Ni una oración lo salvó de las cámaras y los registros fronterizos que confirmaron sus constantes visitas al table dance más famoso de la región. El escándalo ya es mediático y el silencio de Shaleta lo dice todo. 🤐🔥 #EmmanuelShaleta #TijuanaBC #BajaCalifornia #Obispo #HK ♬ sonido original - Creala Noticia

In addition to financial allegations, investigations cited by The Pillar reported that Shaleta was observed visiting the Hong Kong Gentlemen’s Club in Tijuana on multiple occasions. A private investigator’s report suggested that the bishop crossed the border using transportation services that ferried clients to the nightclub.

During the hearing, Shaleta’s defense stated that the trip he was taking at the time of his arrest was bound for Germany and was part of a previously planned travel itinerary.

Shaleta had led the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle in San Diego since 2017, serving communities of this Eastern Catholic tradition in the western United States. According to Vatican statistics, approximately 71,000 Chaldean faithful reside in the region.