Holy See accepts resignation of German bishop Tebartz van Elst

March 26,2014: The Holy See has accepted the resignation of Bishop Franz-Peter Tebarts van Elst of the diocese of Limburg, Germany. A statement issued Wednesday by the Vatican Press office to the administration of the diocese of Limburg, Germany, said the Congregation for Bishops has “carefully studied the report of the Commission requested by the Bishop and by the Cathedral Chapter, to undertake thorough investigations about the responsibilities involved in the construction of the Diocesan Centre “St. Nikolaus.” The statement further acknowledges that the diocese of Limburg has come to “a situation that prevents a fruitful exercise of the ministry of Bishop Franz -Peter Tebartz -van Elst.” The statement says the Holy See has accepted the resignation presented by the Bishop on October 20, 2013, and has appointed a sede vacante an Apostolic Administrator in the person of Bishop Manfred Grothe . The Vatican Press Office states that Bishop Tebartz -van Elst , “in due course will receive another assignment.”
The statement also says the Holy Father asks the clergy and faithful of the diocese of Limburg to accept the decisions of the Holy See and to commit themselves to rediscovering a spirit of charity and reconciliation.