Vatican Press Office issues note on resignation of German bishop Tebartz van Elst
(Vatican Radio) 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 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.