SMYRNA, Ga. – The Roman Catholic archbishop of Atlanta says he has decided to sell his $2.2 million residence following a storm of criticism from parishioners.
Archbishop Wilton Gregory said Saturday that he will leave the Tudor-style residence in the exclusive Buckhead neighborhood in early May.
The church leader apologized last week for building the mansion. He announced his decision after meeting Saturday with clergy and lay people from within his archdiocese.
Local Catholics have faulted Gregory for the opulent spending, citing the example of austerity set by Pope Francis.
Gregory moved into the residence in January after selling his old home to Christ The King Cathedral for $1.9 million. The cathedral plans to move its priests into the archbishop’s former residence, freeing up space on its campus.
