Bishop Dominique Rey of Fréjus-Toulon announced his resignation on January 7, 2025, at the direct request of Pope Francis. This decision marks the end of a 25-year tenure.
Bishop Rey, appointed in 2000, was known for his innovative approach to evangelization and his welcoming of various religious communities, particularly those with traditionalist leanings. His diocese became famous for having one of the highest rates of priestly vocations in France, contrasting sharply with the decline seen in many other dioceses. This "vocations boom" under his leadership was often highlighted as a testament to his commitment to the "new evangelization" called for by Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI.
However, Bishop Rey's tenure was not without its controversies. His diocese was subject to intense Vatican scrutiny due to concerns over governance, financial management, and the ordination of priests from traditionalist communities. In 2022, the Vatican imposed a rare moratorium on ordinations in the diocese amid allegations of lax vetting procedures and questions about the diocese's economic management. This was followed by an apostolic visitation in 2023, which reportedly focused on abuse cases, the activities of traditionalist groups, and Rey's authoritarian style of leadership.
The announcement of Bishop Rey's resignation came after he had been encouraged by Pope Francis in December 2023 not to resign but to work collaboratively with his appointed coadjutor, Bishop François Touvet. Despite this earlier encouragement, Rey stated that he was informed by the papal nuncio that the Holy Father now required his resignation, citing no new reasons beyond those that had previously prompted the coadjutor's appointment. Rey accepted this, emphasizing his obedience to the Pope as his ultimate criterion for discernment.
Bishop Rey's leadership was a paradox of success and critique. He was praised for creating a vibrant, missionary diocese but criticized for what some perceived as governance issues and an overly permissive approach to welcoming religious communities. His diocese was a melting pot of different Catholic charisms, from charismatic to traditionalist, which he believed could coexist to revitalize the Church in France. However, this openness also led to tensions with the Vatican's expectations, particularly after the restrictions on the Traditional Latin Mass through Traditionis Custodes in 2021.
With Bishop Touvet now taking over, the diocese faces a period of transition. The new bishop has the mandate to address the issues raised by Rome, particularly in financial governance, seminary formation, and community integration. The diocese has expressed gratitude for Rey's service, acknowledging the missionary fruits borne under his guidance, while also looking forward to this new chapter under Touvet's leadership.
Bishop Dominique Rey's resignation is not just the end of an era for Fréjus-Toulon but also a reflection of the broader challenges facing the Catholic Church in balancing tradition with reform. His departure leaves a legacy of both significant achievements in evangelization and lessons in ecclesiastical governance. As the Church moves forward, the faithful of Fréjus-Toulon will watch with interest how Bishop Touvet will steer this diverse and dynamic diocese into the future.