News for the Diocese of Limburg

German Bishop was suspended for overspending

Referring to the administration of the Diocese of Limburg, Germany, the Congregation for Bishops has carefully studied the report furnished by the Commission commissioned by the Bishop and the Cathedral Chapter of Canons, to investigate the responsibilities involved in the construction of the Saint Nikolaus Diocesan Centre.

Considering the fact that in the Diocese of Limburg, there has arisen a situation which prevents the fruitful exercise of the ministry of His Excellency, Franz-Peter Tabantz-van Elst, the Holy See has accepted the resignation presented by the Bishop on October 20, 2013, and has named an Apostolic Administrator sede vacante in the person of His Excellency, Manfred Grothe, until now Auxiliary Bishop of Paderborn, Germany.

In time, the outgoing Bishop, His Excellency, Franz-Peter Tabantz-van Elst will receive another pastoral responsibility.  Last October, Pope Francis removed Bishop Tabantz-van Elst from the pastoral governance of the German diocese because of overspending.

The Holy Father asks the clergy and the faithful of the Diocese of Limburg to willingly welcome the Holy See's decision with docility and to recommit themselves to seeking a climate of charity and reconciliation.