Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal Steps Down from His Position

Bishop Franco Mulakkal has resigned from his position as Jalandhar Bishop, according to a church source. The Vatican requested his resignation not as a disciplinary action but in order to allow the Jalandhar diocese to have a new bishop. Mulakkal was temporarily removed from his duties by Pope Francis in 2018 after being accused of rape by a nun. He was cleared of all charges by a Keralan court last year. His resignation means that the diocese can now choose a new bishop. Mulakkal’s position as Bishop Emeritus does not limit his ministry. The nun who accused him of rape has appealed the court’s decision.