Phoenix, Ariz., Jan 8, 2008 / 14:08 pm
The bishop of Phoenix will act as administrator for the Diocese of Gallup, New Mexico, as its present bishop goes on medical leave for a year, the Arizona Republic reports.
Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted will oversee the diocese after its sitting bishop, Donald E. Pelotte, began medical leave in December after he exhibited some unusual behavior.
Bishop Pelotte, 62, was hurt July 23 at his home. Though he said he fell down some steps, emergency-room personnel and others said the severity of his injuries indicated he could have been assaulted. After being treated in Phoenix, Texas, and Florida, he returned to Gallup in September.
Soon after his return, the bishop called police to report his home had been invaded by four “gentle people” three to four feet tall, who refused to leave. Police found no evidence of the intruders.