Vatican suspends 'bishop of bling'

October 24, 2013 02:41

The Vatican has suspended a senior German Church leader dubbed the "bishop of bling" by the media over his alleged lavish spending.

Bishop of Limburg Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst is accused of spending more than 31m euros (26m; $42m) on renovating his official residence.

The Vatican said it deemed "appropriate... a period of leave from the diocese" for the bishop.

The suspension comes two days after he met the Pope to discuss the matter.

"A situation has been created in which the bishop can no longer exercise his episcopal duties", a Vatican statement said.

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

In Pictures - SRH seal dramatic win, edge past RR by 1 run

IMAGES from the IPL match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals played in Hyderabad on Thursday

An accused in Salman home firing dies by suicide, magisterial probe launched

The probe initiated by the judicial magistrate is being carried out under section 176 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, and all related documents have been submitted, a police official said.

Rising cricketer Baker passes away at 20

Worcestershire County Cricket Club is devastated by the sudden passing of their talented left-arm spinner, Josh Baker

Modi hails Rajputs, meets Jamnagar royal amid Kshatriya stir against Rupala

Ahead of his poll rally in Jamnagar on Thursday evening, Modi met Jam Saheb Shatrusalyasinhji at his residence in the city.

Selectors unconcerned with Kohli's IPL strike rate

While Kohli's experience is invaluable, Agarkar believes that there are enough power-hitters in the line-up if there are high-scoring games.