German bishop under fire for spending now in Rome

A German bishop under fire for lavish spending is in Rome for talks with Vatican officials.

A spokesman for the diocese of Limburg, Martin Wind, told the German news agency (DPA) today that Bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst was meeting officials in Rome but gave no further details.

Tebartz-van Elst has been criticised over the construction of a new residence complex and related renovations that his diocese confirms cost around 31 million euros (USD 42 million). Tebartz-van Elst told the 'Bild' newspaper that it was really 10 projects and there were additional costs because of regulations on buildings under historical protection.
 

Pope Francis himself has followed a modest lifestyle and encouraged other church leaders to do the same.