German 'luxury bishop' says meeting with Pope heartening

[hrmjustin]

VATICAN CITY/BERLIN (Reuters) - A German bishop under pressure to resign for spending around 31 million euros ($42 million) on a luxurious residence said he had been heartened by a private audience with Pope Francis in Rome on Monday.

Bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst of Limburg arrived in Rome more than a week ago after cost overruns on his residence stirred anger among German Catholics and protests outside his cathedral, at a time when the pontiff is stressing the importance of humility and serving the poor.

A statement released by Limburg diocese said the bishop was "grateful for the very heartening meeting". It added: "He and the pope agreed the tenor and contents of their meeting would remain confidential."

The Vatican gave no details about the meeting, merely announcing it on the pope's daily list of audiences.

Read more at http://news.yahoo.com/german-luxury-bishop-says-meeting-pope-heartening-171230716--finance.html

[MADem]

1. Heartening? I guess he keeps the silk underwear, or something?

Either he's out the door, or he gets to stay if he gives up some of his luxuries, is my guess....

[hrmjustin]

2. He should be removed. His moral authority is gone.

[MADem]

3. Maybe "heartening" means he leaves with the silk drawers....? nt

[hrmjustin]

4. LOL maybe.

[Fortinbras Armstrong]

5. I suspect that "heartening" means he gets to keep his job n/t

[MADem]

6. Time will--as it does--reveal all! nt

[n2doc]

7. He's been suspended

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24638430#TWEET932203

[MADem]

8. The latest on this--the bishop has been "suspended" and he and his "replacement" have

been summoned to speak with the Pope.

On his way back home, he traveled via a "budget" airline.

Someone took a pic of him...!

All this per my afternoon news broadcast!

[hrmjustin]

9. Yeah I started a new thread in this room on it.

He got what he deserved.

[okasha]

10. Looks like the housecleaning has started.

This should put the hierarchy on notice.

[hrmjustin]

11. I like this new Pope.

[MADem]

12. Maybe he had to trade in the silk drawers for cotton, too! nt