Pope Accepts Resignation of San Diego Bishop Accused of Embezzlement

Bishop Emanuel Shaleta pleaded not guilty to over a dozen felony charges related to missing church funds.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Emanuel Shaleta, the former leader of Saint Peter's Chaldean church in San Diego, who was accused of embezzling $272,000 from the church. Shaleta pleaded not guilty to over a dozen felony charges, including embezzlement and money laundering, after authorities alleged he pocketed monthly cash payments from a church tenant.

Why it matters

The resignation and criminal charges against Bishop Shaleta represent a high-profile case of alleged financial misconduct within the Catholic Church, raising questions about oversight and accountability for church leaders.

The details

Prosecutors allege that Shaleta concealed the embezzlement by moving money from a church account meant to assist the needy into the church's operations account. When a financial advisor flagged the discrepancies, Shaleta was unable to provide proof of where the missing funds went, according to the prosecutor. Shaleta was arrested last week at the San Diego airport as he was trying to fly to Germany.

  • Shaleta pleaded not guilty to the charges on Monday, March 10, 2026.
  • Shaleta's resignation was accepted by Pope Leo XIV in February 2026, but the announcement was not made until Tuesday, March 11, 2026.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope who accepted the resignation of Bishop Emanuel Shaleta.

Bishop Emanuel Shaleta

The former leader of Saint Peter's Chaldean church in San Diego who was accused of embezzling $272,000 from the church.

Bishop Saad Hanna Sirop

The interim replacement named to lead Saint Peter's Chaldean church after Shaleta's resignation.

Joel Madero

The prosecutor who alleged that Shaleta concealed the embezzlement by moving money between church accounts.

Farouk Gewarges

A parishioner of Saint Peter's Chaldean church who believes the charges against Shaleta are "not correct".

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What they’re saying

“They should come and talk to me.”

— Farouk Gewarges, Parishioner (NBC San Diego)

“Shaleta allegedly 'provided completely unreasonable tales of where that money was going,' when a financial adviser flagged the discrepancies, Madero said. The bishop could not offer proof of who he gave the money to or when he provided it, the prosecutor alleged.”

— Joel Madero, Prosecutor (NBC News)

What’s next

Shaleta is due back in court next month to face the charges against him.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of financial oversight and accountability within the Catholic Church, as well as the need for robust systems to prevent and address allegations of misconduct by church leaders.