Since the Vatican blocked priestly ordinations in his diocese in June 2022, Rey said in an interview with the French newspaper "Le Figaro " (Tuesday) that accusations had been levelled against an "overly broad acceptance of groups, priests, vocations and communities", particularly from traditional circles.
Furthermore, he was accused of the financial administration of his diocese not functioning properly.
"I have responded to these accusations point by point, objectively and in a documented manner on the basis of expert opinions and audits," emphasised Rey. He also added that nine of the ten young men whose ordination had initially been blocked had since been ordained priests or deacons.
On Tuesday, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis had accepted Rey's resignation. Rey will not reach the age limit for bishops for another three years.
In November 2023, the Vatican had already appointed Bishop François Touvet as coadjutor at Rey's side, who took over some of the powers of the diocesan bishop. Touvet will now assume full leadership of the diocese.
Shortly before the Vatican announcement, Rey had made a statement on X himself. In it, he emphasised that the Apostolic Nuncio had asked him to resign as diocesan bishop.
According to Rey, the Pope had personally urged him not to resign a year ago. He did not know what had changed since then.
The bishop receives his mandate from the Pope
"The decision about my departure lies with the Holy See," says Rey in the interview. He had tried to serve his diocese "to the best of his ability" for 25 years. "It was a great pleasure for me to fulfil this task and to see the pastoral and vocational fruits." The bishop receives his mandate from the Pope, explained Rey. "This is the final and decisive criterion for the discernment and positioning of the bishop in relation to the mission he receives."
The former diocesan bishop admitted that, like any balance sheet, his 25-year term of office was mixed. "I have largely welcomed communities, priestly and religious vocations, some of which, around ten per cent, have admittedly failed due to a lack of discernment or accompaniment." However, the majority of the communities have "fortunately" integrated well and are now making a positive contribution to pastoral work in the diocese.
"Basically, as a bishop, I didn't want to be an administrative technician: I have tried to launch bold and missionary projects with the teams of the diocese in order to invent new paths between the Church and the world every day," said Rey.
At the same time, the Church recognises the missionary vitality in Fréjus-Toulon. A number of projects that have emerged in his diocese have now also inspired other dioceses.
Rey wants to continue his mission
Basically, the traditional side of the church is diverse and the situation is complex. Some traditional circles may have cut themselves off from reality, but "many young Catholics attend Mass indiscriminately according to the rite of Paul VI and the rite of St Pius V," explained Rey.
"We must take this reality into account, which appeals to the new generations who are in search of beauty and sacredness in the liturgy, of identity and rootedness."
This requires dialogue, he said, while maintaining great fidelity to the Church's magisterium. "We must overcome prejudices and bias and avoid taking drastic or brutal measures that sometimes violate trust and dialogue in the Church."
Regarding his own future, the bishop explained that he first wanted to take some time out to reflect on the past 25 years of his episcopate.
He then wants to continue his mission and his service in the Church "in other forms".
For example, he wants to continue to support the development of missionary projects, even if the exact modalities have not yet been finalised.