'Bishop of Bling' Steps Down

A German bishop temporarily expelled last year by Pope Francis has now left his post for good. The pope has accepted the resignation of Bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst of Limburg, the Vatican says. Tebartz-van Elst had reportedly spent some $43 million on renovating church buildings, including his own residence, the New York Times notes. He earned the nickname "bishop of bling," per NPR—a particular problem at a time when the pope has called on clergy to live more simply, Reuters reports. Tebartz-van Elst initially offered his resignation in October amid frustration in his diocese. (More Pope Francis stories.)