German bishop, removed for excessive spending, will take new post at Vatican
February 09, 2015
Bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst, who was removed from his post in Germany’s Limburg diocese because of complaints over excessive spending, will soon take a new position with the Vatican’s Congregation for the New Evangelization.
Bishop Tebartz van Elst will work within the Pontifical Council on catechetical matters, according to multiple news reports. Although the Vatican has not formally confirmed the appointment, an official told the National Catholic Register that Bishp Tebartz-van Elst was chosen because of his expertise in the field of catechetics.
The German bishop was removed from the Limburg diocese in October 2013, with the Vatican announced that “a situation has arisen in which Bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst cannot, at the present moment, continue to exercise his episcopal ministry.” In March 2014, his removal was made permanent, and the Vatican said that he would “in due course receive another assignment.”
Reports about the bishop’s ambitious plans for a new diocesan office building, and renovations to the bishop’s residence, led to an outcry in which Bishop Tebartz-van Elst was dubbed “The Bling Bishop.” His defenders said that he was unfairly singled out because of his conservative views.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Bishop Tebartz Van Elst Appointed to Pontifical Council (National Catholic Register)
- Limburg bishop who spent too much is given new assignment in the Vatican (La Stampa)
- Free-spending German bishop removed from diocesan leadership (CWN, 3/26/14)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
-
Posted by: rjbennett1294 -
Feb. 11, 2015 7:08 AM ET USA
Yes, in a country like Germany, where the modernists are in almost complete control of the Church here, of course Bishop Tebartz van Elst was removed "because of his conservative views." There can hardly be much doubt about that. However, the modernists are not quite in control of the Vatican as well, so the good bishop could at least be given another post there.
