GERMANY
The Tablet
12 September 2013
The Vatican has sent Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo, a former nuncio to Germany, to investigate a “destructive crisis of trust” between the Bishop of Limburg and priests and parishioners in his diocese.
Clergy and laity have accused Bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst of lying, narcissism and squandering church money since he was appointed bishop six years ago. Tensions came to head last month when a large number of priests in his diocese used their Sunday homilies to criticise what they described as his authoritarian manner. Telbartz-van Elst was sent a petition with 4,500 signatures calling for more communication and transparency, especially regarding the renovation costs to the episcopal palace, which are said to be €15 million.
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