Pope accepts resignation of bishop scrutinized for Pre-Vatican II ordinations

On January 7 (Tuesday), Pope Francis accepted the early resignation of Bishop Dominique Rey of Fréjus-Toulon, following years of Vatican scrutiny regarding his ordination practices using pre-Vatican II liturgical books and other concerns.

François Touvet, appointed coadjutor bishop in November 2023, now succeeds Rey, who had led the diocese since 2000.

In a January 7 press release, Rey revealed that the nuncio, Pope Francis’ ambassador in France, recently informed him that the Pope wished him to submit his resignation, despite encouraging him not to do so in December 2023.

Rey stated that he remains obedient to the Pope’s decision amidst ongoing “misunderstandings, pressures, and polemics” affecting Church unity.

The Diocese of Fréjus-Toulon had its ordinations suspended by the Vatican in June 2022 following a fraternal visit by Archbishop Jean-Marc Aveline, now a Cardinal.

However, in December 2024, six seminarians from the Missionaries of Divine Mercy were ordained to the transitional diaconate after dialogues with the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

Known for supporting the Traditional Latin Mass, Rey also ordained clerics using the 1962 Roman Pontifical.

Following Pope Francis’ 2021 motu proprio Traditionis Custodes, which restricted the extraordinary form of the Roman rite, Rey worked to address the concerns of priests and communities within his diocese offering the old rite.

In his statement, Rey reflected on his 25 years as bishop, expressing gratitude for the “blessings and missionary fruits” of his ministry. He announced plans to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving in the diocese on February 1.