Kochi: Pope Francis has relieved Jalandhar bishop Franco Mulakkal, undergoing interrogation in a high-profile case rape case, from his duties as the administrator of the diocese.Mulakkal, accused by a nun of raping her, had earlier written to the Pope to temporarily relieve him of his duties.The case has sparked widespread protest by the clergy, who accused the police of inaction. The protest entered the 13th day on Thursday.“Having considered all circumstances, the Holy Father has accepted the request of Bishop Mulakkal, the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) said in a statementWhile relieving Mulakkal of his administrative powers, the Pope appointed Rev Agnelo Rufino Gracias, 79, titular bishop of Molicunza and auxiliary bishop emeritus of Bombay as Apostolic administrator of the Jalandhar diocese.Even as a circular of the Apostolic Nunciature said the action was in response to Mulakkal’s request, church sources said it reflected the fact that the Vatican has not closed the door on Mulakkal.The Pope’s intervention is being seen as a diplomatic move that envisages a worst-case scenario in the event of the bishop's arrest but also leaves the door open in case he is acquitted down the line. “Now, the Vatican can decide to appoint a new bishop in case the bishop is arrested or to reinstate him after the court acquits him. Rome can even decide to conduct an independent inquiry before reinstatement, even if he is acquitted by the court,” a priest said.Contrary to the recent appointment of bishop Jacob Manathodath as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, where the entire administrative power has been vested with the administrator, the administration of Jalandhar diocese would now come under Rome’s direct control. Mulakkal would hold the titular position of the Bishop of Jalandhar, but without official powers. The Jalandhar diocese of the Latin Church falls under direct control of the Pope, unlike the Ernakulam-Angamaly which belongs to the oriental rite. “Our prayers accompany Bishop Gracias as he takes on this responsibility,” CBCI said.Bishop Gracias hails from Goa. He was ordained priest in 1962 and has had a long association with St Pius College as professor and rector. He was ordained bishop in 2001.“I am in Port Blair at present, conducting a retreat for priests. I received a phone call from the Cardinal informing me of my appointment. I am yet to learn what my functions will be, but I will see the priests (in Jalandhar),” Bishop Gracias told TOI.Meanwhile, members of the Save Our Sisters (SOS) Action Council, sitting in protest at Vanchi Square here, welcomed the decision to strip Mulakkal of his powers.Sister Anupama opined that the CBCI’s declaration might lead to the bishop’s arrest.“At least this decision by the CBCI will help in opening the eyes of many others in the Church who still blame the nuns,” she said.She, however, added that the protest would continue until the bishop’s arrest.“The increasing number of people turning up in solidarity with the protest everyday shows the momentum the protest has gained,” a member of the council said.(With inputs from Bella Jaisinghani in Mumbai)

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