Vatican defrocks African archbishop for defiance

Associated Press/December 17, 2009

Vatican City - The Vatican says it has stripped charismatic African Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo of his priestly duties because he defiantly continues to ordain bishops despite already being excommunicated.

A Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Ciro Benedettini, says Thursday's announcement of the defrocking means any future ordinations by the Zambian prelate will be considered invalid by the Catholic church.

Milingo angered the Vatican when he got married in 2001 to a South Korean woman by the Rev. Sun Myung Moon of the Unification Church. He was excommunicated in 2006 after installing four married men as bishops.

The Vatican said despite efforts by Pope Benedict XVI, Milingo shows "no sign" of repentance.

Now, the spokesman says, Milingo will not be allowed to do "anything as a priest."

To see more documents/articles regarding this group/organization/subject click here.

Disclaimer