German diocese seeks compensation from former bishop

July 23, 2015

A German diocese is seeking 3.9 million euros ($4.28 million) in compensation from its former bishop for additional costs related to renovations to the bishop's residence.

Bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst resigned as bishop of Limburg in 2014 amid controversy over $34.2 million in spending on the residence. Deutsche Welle reported that the new costs have been incurred for "repair works and architects' design plans that were not used in the end."

Der Spiegel reported that a "canon law process" will determine whether the prelate, now an official of the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization, is personally liable for the costs.

 

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Further information:

• Limburger Ex-Bischof: Tebartz-van Elst droht womöglich Millionenforderung (Der Spiegel)
• Limburg diocese wants compensation from 'Bling Bishop' (Deutsche Welle)