The woman representing Australia at the Pope’s funeral

An American bishop who was removed from his position by Pope Francis has issued a statement after his death.

Joseph Strickland was removed as Bishop of Tyler in Texas for a series of statements critical of the Pope’s more liberal ideology.

Strickland’s statement appeared to contain veiled criticism of Pope Francis.

“While his papacy was marked by moments of ambiguity and confusion that have caused concern among many of the faithful, we entrust all final judgment to the Lord, who alone searches hearts and knows all things. We must always seek to be charitable in our assessments, remembering that clarity and truth are never opposed to mercy,” Strickland wrote.

“Let us pray for the repose of his soul, that any errors may be forgiven, and that he may receive the reward of any good he did in the service of Christ’s Church.”

Strickland had caused controversy in the US when he spoke at a rally seeking to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

He also described Joe Biden as “evil” and recommended a video which claimed a Catholic cannot be a Democrat.