Pope Francis Accepts Resignation of Toulon Bishop Dominique Rey

The conservative bishop steps down after a Vatican audit revealed governance issues in the Fréjus-Toulon diocese.

Bishop Dominique Rey resigned after 25 years leading the Fréjus-Toulon diocese, following a request from Pope Francis.
The resignation follows a 2022 Vatican audit that uncovered financial mismanagement and concerns about the formation of priests and religious communities.
Rey faced criticism for his close ties to traditionalist and charismatic groups, as well as his controversial leadership style.
The Vatican suspended priestly ordinations in the diocese in 2022 due to issues with training and discernment processes.
Bishop François Touvet, appointed as coadjutor in 2023, has now assumed full leadership of the diocese.