Vatican K.O's yet another flakey American Catholic Bishop for losing his nerve at a critical point in modern spiritual combat!

Is the growing scandal of Father Rick Mattey's Men's ACTS Retreat and Old Mesilla's mis-named Holy Cross Retreat Center destined to become yet another episcopal grave yard?

"Fourth Diocese Files for Bankruptcy"

Source: National Catholic Register, Oct. 22-28, 2006.

"KCCI-TV, Oct. 12 -- Just two days after Davenport, Iowa, became the fourth diocese in the country to file for bankruptcy protection, Pope Benedict XVI accepted the resignation of Bishop William Franklin and appointed Cleveland Auxilary Bishop Martin Amos, reported the Des Moines television station.

"Bishop Amos is to take the helm Nov. 20.

"The bankruptcy filing came less than two weeks before a trial involving a former priest accused of sexual abuse.

"While Bishop Franklin said he regretted the decision, he said that the financial pressure from as many as 25 outstanding claims of abuse is too great and that bankruptcy is the best way to ensure the continuance of the Church's mission.

"In 2004, the diocese paid $9 million to settle 37 claims dating back to the 1950s and 1960s."