RIP Bishop Rick Stika - Tennessee Bishop Dies at Age 68 Following Early Resignation after Vatican Investigation
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The Diocese of Knoxville has confirmed the death of Bishop Rick Stika at age 68. The bishop, who led the diocese for nearly 15 years, had previously stepped down in 2023 following a request for his resignation from the Vatican.
Life and Ministry
Born in St. Louis in 1957, Stika was ordained in 1985 and served in various administrative roles—including chancellor and vicar general—before his appointment to Knoxville in 2009. His later years were marked by significant health challenges, including a 2009 heart attack, a 2018 bypass surgery, and ongoing struggles with diabetes.
Controversy and Resignation
Stika’s leadership became a subject of intense scrutiny in 2021 amid allegations of interfering with sexual assault investigations involving a seminarian, Wojciech Sobczuk. In 2021, Stika admitted to The Pillar that he had interfered with a diocesan review board's inquiry, stating he removed the appointed investigator because he “was asking all these questions.” Despite the investigation, the bishop maintained he “knew in [his] heart” that Sobczuk was innocent.
After more than two years of priests in the diocese petitioning the Vatican for leadership changes, Pope Francis accepted Stika's resignation in June 2023. At that time, Stika attributed the move to his health, noting that “questions about my leadership … weighed on me emotionally and physically. For these reasons, I asked the Holy Father for relief from responsibilities as a diocesan bishop.”
Final Statements and Reflections
On the day of his resignation, Stika shared with local media that he was a survivor of sexual abuse by a priest during his youth and maintained that he had never covered up abuse within his own diocese.
Reflecting on his career and his return to his hometown of St. Louis, Stika shared several parting thoughts with his community:
On his service: “God has blessed me with almost 66 years of life... I have been a Catholic priest for most of that time, and I have tried my best to be a good shepherd.”
On the Church: “the Church isn’t perfect — it’s human, but it continues to grow in goodness, thanks be to God.”
A final apology: “I offer my genuine and heartfelt apology to anyone I have disappointed over the years.”
On his critics: “I have tremendous respect for everyone, even my detractors. I will continue to keep all of you, and this diocese, in my prayers.”
A closing request: “I humbly ask that you please pray for me.”
The Diocese of Knoxville wrote: We are awaiting further details and will share additional information, including funeral and memorial arrangements, as they become available.
We ask the faithful to join us in praying for the repose of his soul and for his loved ones during this time.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.Sources: https://dioknox.org/news/bishop-richard-f-stika
https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/bishop-rick-stika-former-bishop-of
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