Atlanta Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory announced Saturday afternoon that he will vacate his$2.2 million Buckhead mansion next month and move into another Archdiocesan property.

He released the following statement, in part:

“After consultation with the members who were available to attend from the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, Archdiocesan Finance Council, and the Council of Priests, and hundreds of well-meaning parishioners of differing points of view some who sent written observations, as well as my own personal reflection and prayer, I have decided to sell the Habersham property and invest the proceeds from that sale into the needs of the Catholic community."

Gregory announced the decision following a closed-door meeting with members of several church councils at his headquarters north of Atlanta.

Gregory apologized last week for building a 6,400 square foot Tudor-style mansion for himself, a decision criticized by local Catholics who cited the example of austerity set by the new pope. He said the home was paid for with money that was donated to the Archdiocese of Atlanta.
 
“I'm disappointed in myself because I’ve should have seen that this was a matter that was more neuralgic than simply selling a $2 million home and building a $2 million home. And so I'm disappointed in myself. And I don't intend to do that mistake again, namely, not take the opportunity of hearing my people,” Gregory said.
 
The construction of the home was made possible after a large donation from the estate of Joseph Mitchell. He's the nephew of Margaret Mitchell, who wrote "Gone With the Wind" and made millions.

We'll have more on this developing story on Channel 2 Action News at 6 and WSBTV.com