By LINDA COMINS
The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register
WHEELING, W.Va. — Archbishop William E. Lori admitted Wednesday former Bishop Michael J. Bransfield “engaged in a pattern of excessive and inappropriate spending” during his tenure in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston as news reports revealed he spent millions on travel and to renovate his church-owned residence.
The Washington Post, citing a confidential draft report on Bransfield to be sent to the Vatican, reported Wednesday that the former bishop spent $2.4 million of the church’s money on travel, much of it for personal trips, during his 13-year tenure. He also reportedly spent $4.6 million to renovate the bishop’s Wheeling residence after a fire.
Citing church records, the Post also said Bransfield and subordinates spent an average of nearly $1,000 a month on alcohol.
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