Archbishop Pius Ncube, 60, had been accused of having an affair with a married woman.
From the AP:
A brief statement from the Vatican Tuesday said Pope Benedict XVI had accepted the resignation of Pius Ncube, 60, under the article of church law that says a bishop should retire if he is ill or if “some other grave reason” had made him unsuitable for office.
Ncube has been named in a civil adultery suit in Zimbabwe filed by a railroad worker who alleged his wife, a secretary in Ncube’s office, had a two-year affair with the archbishop.
In July, Zimbabwe state media showed images allegedly taken with a hidden camera in Ncube’s bedroom and purportedly showing him with the woman. Ncube’s lawyer has called the airing of the video an “orchestrated attempt” by the government to embarrass the prelate, who has long been an outspoken critic of President Robert Mugabe.
Filed under: Catholic, pius Ncube, pope
Pius Ncube has been a fearless opponent of the autocratic and destrucive regime of Robert Mugabe. His retirement leaves a huge gap in the leadership of the opposition in Zimbabwe which all who hope for a brighter future in that country will soon see filled. I pray for Pius Ncube and thank him for his endeavours to see his country’s potential realised and respect for human and civil rights restored.