San Diego Bishop Resigns Amid Embezzlement Charges

Pope accepts resignation of Emmanuel Shaleta after his arrest at airport

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Emmanuel Shaleta of the Chaldean Catholic Diocese of San Diego, California, after Shaleta was arrested on charges of embezzlement, money laundering, and aggravated white-collar crime. Shaleta was arrested at San Diego International Airport as he tried to leave the country, with authorities citing his access to funds and international ties as reasons for setting bail at $125,000.

Why it matters

The resignation of a bishop is a rare and significant event in the Catholic Church, and the allegations of financial crimes against Shaleta have raised concerns about accountability and transparency within the church's leadership.

The details

Shaleta, who had served as bishop since 2017, pleaded not guilty to the charges on Monday. Prosecutors said he was carrying over $9,000 in cash when he was arrested, and cited his access to funds and international ties as reasons for the high bail amount. The Vatican said it waited to announce Shaleta's resignation in February in order to avoid interfering with the police investigation.

  • On March 2, 2026, Shaleta was arrested at San Diego International Airport as he tried to leave the country.
  • On March 6, 2026, Shaleta pleaded not guilty to the charges of embezzlement, money laundering, and aggravated white-collar crime.
  • On March 10, 2026, Pope Leo XIV accepted Shaleta's resignation, which he had submitted in February.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope of the Catholic Church, who accepted the resignation of Bishop Emmanuel Shaleta.

Bishop Emmanuel Shaleta

The former Chaldean Catholic bishop of San Diego, California, who was arrested on charges of embezzlement, money laundering, and aggravated white-collar crime.

Bishop Saad Hanna Sirop

The temporary administrator appointed by the Vatican to oversee the Chaldean Catholic Diocese of San Diego following Shaleta's resignation.

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What they’re saying

“Given his access to funds, the fact that he had over $9,000 in the bag when he was stopped, and the fact that he has these international ties ... I do believe that some bail to ensure he shows up is appropriate.”

— Joel Madero, Prosecutor (NBC San Diego)

What’s next

The San Diego County Sheriff's Office will continue its investigation into the alleged embezzlement and financial crimes committed by former Bishop Emmanuel Shaleta. The Chaldean Catholic Diocese of San Diego will be overseen by the temporary administrator, Bishop Saad Hanna Sirop, until a new bishop is appointed by the Vatican.

The takeaway

The resignation of Bishop Emmanuel Shaleta amid allegations of financial crimes highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency within the Catholic Church's leadership. This case underscores the importance of robust financial oversight and the responsibility of church leaders to uphold the trust placed in them by their congregations.