Pope Accepts San Diego Bishop's Resignation After Arrest

Vatican City, March 10, 2026 -- Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Emanuel Hana Shaleta, the leader of the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle in San Diego, California, following his arrest on embezzlement and money laundering charges.

Shaleta, 69, was detained by the San Diego County Sheriff's Office on March 5 at San Diego International Airport as he attempted to board an international flight to Germany. Authorities said he carried more than $9,000 in cash at the time. He faces 16 felony counts, including eight for embezzlement and eight for money laundering, plus one count of aggravated white-collar crime enhancement. Prosecutors allege he misappropriated approximately $270,000 from church funds, primarily through diverting monthly rental payments exceeding $30,000 from a tenant using the parish's social hall at St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Cathedral in El Cajon. The investigation began in August 2025 after a parishioner provided financial documents revealing discrepancies. Shaleta reportedly used other church donations intended for the poor to cover the shortfall, according to Deputy District Attorney Joel Madero.