(VIS) – A communique was issued today by the Holy See Press Office, published in full
below.
“The Holy Father has been continually informed in detail and objectively
on the situation regarding the diocese of Limburg. In the diocese, a situation has
arisen in which Bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst cannot, at the present moment,
continue to exercise his episcopal ministry.
Following Cardinal Lajolo's
'fraternal visit' in September, the German Bishops' Conference, in accordance with
an agreement between the bishop and the Chapter of Limburg Cathedral, has constituted
a Commission to carry out a detailed examination of the matter of the building of
the bishop's residence. Pending the results of this examination and of an analysis
of responsibility for the matter, the Holy See considers it appropriate to authorise
for Bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst a period of stay outside the diocese.
By
decision of the Holy See, Stadtdekan Wolfgang Rosch is today appointed as vicar general,
an appointment that had previously been announced by the diocese of Limburg as taking
effect from 1 January 2014. Vicar General Rosch will administer the diocese of Limburg
during the absence of the diocesan bishop, within the sphere of competence associated
with this office”.