Summary
Bishop Rick Stika, who had served as Bishop of Knoxville for almost 15 years, died at age 68. He was diagnosed with diabetes and heart conditions, including a previous heart attack in 2009 and a bypass surgery in 2018. Prior to his resignation from the Diocese of Knoxville in June 2023, Stika had led the diocese through allegations of sexual abuse cover-ups by a seminarian named Wojciech Sobczuk. In 2021, Stika admitted interfering with an investigation into Sobczuk’s rape accusations and maintaining his innocence despite evidence suggesting otherwise. His resignation came after more than two years of Vatican investigations questioning his leadership. Born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1957, Stika was ordained a priest in 1985 by the Archdiocese of St. Louis. He served as chancellor, vicar general, and vicar for priests before being appointed Bishop of Knoxville in 2009. In June 2023, he resigned from his position citing health issues and emotional strain over leadership questions. Stika expressed regret for past failures and apologized to those he may have disappointed, maintaining that the Church is human but continues to grow in goodness. He moved back home to Missouri after resigning.
Key Topics
Vatican, Bishop Rick Stika, Sexual abuse
