Vatican forces Bishop Jean-Paul Gusching’s resignation over alleged ties to women; canonical probe ongoing, public ministry banned.
Newsroom (06/11/2025, Gaudium Press ) The Apostolic Nunciature in France announced on November 4, 2025, that Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Bishop Jean-Paul Gusching from the Diocese of Verdun effective September 27, following reports of relationships with women that may violate his priestly vows.
The nunciature stated that information about Gusching’s conduct, while he served as Bishop of Verdun, was forwarded to the Holy See’s Dicastery for Bishops. Despite Gusching’s denials and the “fragmentary and contradictory” nature of the evidence, he pledged to the dicastery’s prefect to avoid future behavior toward women that could be seen as contrary to his commitments.
As precautionary measures, Gusching has been ordered to live in seclusion outside the dioceses of Amiens and Verdun, and to abstain from all liturgical celebrations and public pastoral activities. The statement clarified that health reasons cited publicly for his resignation were only one factor in the Pope’s decision.
A preliminary canonical inquiry has been launched, led by Bishop Emeritus Stanislas Lalanne of Pontoise, assisted by Archbishop Philippe Ballot of Metz, who serves as Apostolic Administrator of Verdun. Civil authorities have also been notified.
In a separate message dated November 4 from Lourdes, Ballot informed clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the diocese that the Holy See imposed the measures pending the inquiry’s outcome. He emphasized the Church’s call for priests and bishops to live consistently with their ordination vows, expressed support for those affected, and urged prayer and unity while respecting the ongoing process.
The nunciature and Ballot both stated they would provide no further comments to preserve the inquiry’s integrity and Gusching’s presumption of innocence. The investigation remains active.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from https://eglise.catholique.fr/
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