In the programme the Bishop of Trier, Stephan Ackermann admitted that van Elst cannot remain in Limburg as bishop.
It has now become a great German Catholic joke. The new residence has a €15,000 bath tub along with many other silly accessories.
But a quick look at the poor man, the Bishop of Limburg, and so much of the deception and nonsense of the institutional Catholic Church unfolds in front of one's eyes.
Jauch later in the programme moved on to invite the guests to discuss whether or not the finances of the German Catholic Church should be made more transparent.
Norbert Bluem, a former German government minister, expressed his hope and belief that Pope Francis was creating a new mood in the church.
Also discussed was the recent decision in Freiburg to allow remarried people to receive Communion. Ackermann hinted that there is urgent need for change. He said people cannot be left in cul-de-sacs.
The bishop also said that he would never refuse Communion to anyone at the altar.
The Günther Jauch Show is one of the most watched talk shows in Germany.
And then on the news that followed the show the main item was a report that the Bishop of Freiburg, who is the President of the German Bishops' Conference is in Rome and the Bishop of Limburg flew to Rome this afternoon.
The Günther Jauch Show is one of the most watched talk shows in Germany.
And then on the news that followed the show the main item was a report that the Bishop of Freiburg, who is the President of the German Bishops' Conference is in Rome and the Bishop of Limburg flew to Rome this afternoon.
1 comment:
Tebartz van Elst is a prime example of the holy smoke and dressing up in frocks faction which gained so much power and influence in the Catholic Church during the Wojtila and Ratzinger pontificates. His fall is largely the result of some very good journalistic work by the Frankfurter Allegemine and Der Spiegel, which continued over a period of years to ask uncomfortable questions until even more uncomfortable answers were produced.
But the election of Pope Francis has also had a huge influence on the present situation. Von Elst could carry on the way he did because he was sure of backing at the highest levels, both through Cardinal Meissner in Cologne and in Rome - right up to Pope Benedict. But the new atmosphere of humility and modesty promulgated by the present pope, as well as the feeling of openness within the church which he lives and encourages has finally given the more progressive elements within the German bishops' conference the courage to stand up to bullies like Meissner (who Benedict allowed to carry on after his 75th birthday but will finally retire next year).
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