German bishop removed from church for spending $ 43 million on reform

The more than $ 40 million - close to $ 100 million - spent on renovating his home and the false justifications for other abusive expenses cost the office of German Bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst.

In October 2013, the Vatican suspended the bishop's activities on charges that he had already invested unimaginable amounts in improving his quarters. But last week Pope Francis accepted the resignation of the cleric - also known as the bishop of Limburg - after presenting a 108-page report detailing Elst's abuses.

Aerial view of residence of german bishop after retirement. Image Source: Reproduction / The Catholic Catalog

The final removal took place just one day after Pope Francis' meeting with President Barack Obama to discuss the situation of poor and marginalized people and growing inequality. The Pope, in turn, drives a Ford Focus and lives in the humble House of Santa Marta, instead of living in the Apostolic Palace, which was designated exclusively for him.

In his defense, the cleric claims that he valued the quality of the items he chose and left the accounting to the parish vicar general, who would then be responsible for the exorbitant expenses. Despite investing in top-tier materials, some sources claim that Elst laid off employees during the renovation. Check out some items from the absurd list of improvements that were made at the bishop's residence:

  • Creation of a garden - 917 thousand dollars
  • Installation of an Advent Wreath - $ 25, 000
  • Placement of windows with bronze frames - $ 2.38 million
  • Switch Installation - $ 27, 000
  • Door exchange - 673 thousand dollars
  • Purchase of artwork - 1.6 million
  • LED light installation (on floor, walls and windows) - $ 894, 000

The 54-year-old German bishop still needs 21 years of service to officially retire from the Church. Meanwhile, the Vatican has announced that it will be placed in some less prestigious post elsewhere. Now the Church is considering turning the residence into a shelter for the needy and the homeless.