KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) β€” The Roman Catholic Diocese of Knoxville has announced the death of Richard F. Stika, its former bishop. He was the diocese’s longest-serving bishop prior to his resignation in 2023.

Stika was 68 years old. He became the third bishop of Knoxville when he was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009 and retired in June 2023. A statement released by the diocese said they are awaiting further details and will announce information on funeral and memorial arrangements at a later date.

In his 2023 retirement announcement, Stika said he had been dealing with life-threatening health issues most of his adult life. He wrote that he nearly died from a diabetic coma in 2009 which caused him to lose vision in one of his eyes, and had survived a heart attack.

His departure came amid allegations that he mishandled reports of sex abuse that sparked an investigation by the Vatican and calls for his resignation by a group of advocates for child sex abuse victims. Stika denied having ever covered up abuse and said he wished to remain in active ministry near his hometown of St. Louis.

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