Pope Accepts Resignation of San Diego Chaldean Bishop Accused of Stealing $270,000

Bishop Emanuel Hana Shaleta faces charges of laundering over $270,000 from a California parish

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Emanuel Hana Shaleta, who was recently arrested at the San Diego airport as he allegedly tried to flee the country. Shaleta, the former Bishop of the Saint Peter Apostle of San Diego of the Chaldeans, is accused of embezzling over $270,000 from his parish. The allegations stem from discrepancies found in church accounts and missing monthly payments from a tenant of the church's social hall.

Why it matters

The case highlights concerns about financial mismanagement and abuse of power within the Catholic Church, especially at the highest levels of leadership. It also raises questions about oversight and accountability for church funds, as well as the church's response to allegations of wrongdoing by clergy.

The details

Shaleta, 69, was appointed by Pope Francis in 2017 to serve as Bishop of the Saint Peter Apostle of San Diego of the Chaldeans. He was arrested on March 5 at the San Diego International Airport as he allegedly tried to leave the country. Prosecutors say the accusations against Shaleta stem from someone in the church providing a statement and documentation showing potential embezzlement of over $270,000 from the parish, including missing monthly payments of more than $30,000 from a tenant of the church's social hall. Discrepancies were found in the church's accounts, and Shaleta allegedly provided "completely unreasonable tales" about where the missing money was going.

  • Shaleta was appointed Bishop in 2017 by Pope Francis.
  • Shaleta was arrested on March 5, 2026 at the San Diego airport as he allegedly tried to leave the country.
  • Pope Leo XIV accepted Shaleta's resignation on March 11, 2026.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope who accepted the resignation of Bishop Shaleta.

Bishop Emanuel Hana Shaleta

The former Bishop of the Saint Peter Apostle of San Diego of the Chaldeans who is accused of embezzling over $270,000 from his parish.

Saad Hanna Sirop

The Titular Bishop of Hirta who was appointed as the Apostolic Administrator sede vacante of the Saint Peter Apostle of San Diego of the Chaldeans after Shaleta's resignation.

Joel Madero

The prosecutor who detailed the allegations against Bishop Shaleta.

Sharon Appelbaum

The lawyer for Bishop Shaleta who denied the allegations against him.

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What they’re saying

“I have never abused any penny of the church money. On the contrary, I have done my best to preserve and manage the donations of the church properly.”

— Bishop Emanuel Hana Shaleta (Mass on February 22)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Bishop Shaleta out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater financial oversight and accountability within the Catholic Church, especially for high-ranking clergy. It raises concerns about the potential for abuse of power and misuse of church funds, and underscores the importance of thorough investigations and due process when allegations of wrongdoing arise.