Limburg-The Diocese of Limburg in western Germany on Friday announced that it would open the controversial 30 million Euros residence of former Bishop, Tebartz-van Elst, for public events.
The Diocese said in a statement that the controversial complex that makes up the lavish Bishop’s palace would be demystified and demythologised by the move.
Bishop Elst, dubbed the “Bling Bishop’’ for his extravagant lifestyle, was reprimanded by Pope Francis and removed from his position before being given a new role in the Vatican.
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The statement said Elst had drawn heavy criticism from many quarters for the multi-million euro renovation of the palace that came to light in a report commissioned by the German Catholic Church.
It said among the items that raised eyebrows was a 20,000 euro two-seater bathtub.
As pope, Francis has shunned wealth and some of the traditional trappings of the Church and called for a fairer redistribution of the world’s wealth.
According to the Diocese, the palace will have a temporary use before the new Bishop, who has not yet been named, takes up his position. (dpa/NAN)