That big-spending German bishop has been suspended until further notice

A German bishop under fire for lavish spending on his personal residence at a time when Pope Francis is sending a message of modesty has been suspended from his duties, pending the outcome of an investigation, the Holy See said Wednesday.

Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst, 53, left his diocese in Limburg for Rome on a low-budget carrier last week, as anger mounted in Germany over the $42 million bill for revamping his residence. The bishop also faces charges that he made false statements twice under oath during a legal case against a magazine.

It was not immediately clear whether the bishop would remain at the Vatican while awaiting the final decision.