Atlanta Archbishop Apologizes for Lavish Home

Days after Pope Francis removed a German bishop for his lavish lifestyle, Archbishop of Atlanta Wilton Gregory is apologizing for building a mansion costing more than $2 million.

But his apology came only after local parishioners expressed outrage at the expenditure.

"I think when you're in politics or religion, you are called to a different light and you have to live differently," parishioner Marci Maurer-Nunnery said.

That's the sentiment of many Catholics across Atlanta when it comes to the archbishop's $2.2 million, 6,000-square-foot home.

In letters and emails, followed by a meeting, local Catholics told the archbishop the price tag for his new home is outlandish.

"I think the Pope has set the precedent for how he should be living, and it is simply," Maurer-Nunnery said.

The house, located in one of Atlanta's wealthiest neighborhoods, has two dining rooms and an elevator.

Church officials say Gregory needed a new home after giving up his residence near the cathedral, where parish priests will now stay.

The new residence was built using funds from a $15 million gift from the nephew of Margaret Mitchell, author of the Civil War epic, Gone with the Wind. That gift was to be used for general religious and charitable purposes.

But the archbishop demolished a one-story home that Mitchell had donated and replaced it with a Tudor-style mansion.

"Pope Francis has asked us to be particularly concerned about the poor and disenfranchised who make up a large majority of the Catholic Church," Laura Mullins, a parishioner of Christ the King Cathedral, said. "And that was one of the biggest concerns of the parishioners of Christ the King, who were so disappointed."

Pope Francis has made it clear that he expects his priests and bishops to follow his example of modest living, imploring them to refrain from driving fancy cars and denounce the idolatry of money.

Gregory issued an apology.

"I failed to consider the impact on the families throughout the archdiocese who, though struggling to pay their mortgages, utilities, tuition and other bills, faithfully respond year after year to my pleas to assist with funding our ministries and services," his statement read.

Pope Francis recently removed a German bishop for spending $43 million on a new residence.

And in New Jersey, church goers are criticizing Archbishop John Myers for spending half a million dollars to add a pool, fireplaces and other luxuries to his home.

Meanwhile, Gregory says he will begin the process of putting his new home on the market.