VATICAN CITY, AUG. 26, 2002 (Zenit.org).- Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo, who went through a marriage ceremony presided over by Sun Myung Moon last year, will return to Italy in October, a Vatican official says.
Following a year of “retreat” in Argentina which enabled him to write an autobiography, the Zambian prelate is preparing to take up his ministry in the Zagarolo center of spirituality near Rome, according to Archbishop Tarcisio Bertone, secretary of the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Archbishop Bertone revealed the news Friday to the newspaper Il Giornale and to Italian state television.
He said Archbishop Milingo “is well physically, morally and spiritually,” thus denying the public protests of some followers who accused the Vatican of keeping the African a “prisoner.”
The Vatican official said that since Oct. 10, Archbishop Milingo has been living in Argentina with a local bishop and two priests. Neither the city nor the bishop was identified.
“He has made peace with himself, with the Church, with his vocation as priest and bishop,” Archbishop Bertone said.
“Near the villa will be a large structure where he can meet with hundreds of faithful at a time. There will even be a parking garage,” Archbishop Bertone told Il Giornale. He added that Archbishop Milingo would continue to guide three religious congregations he founded.
Arcbhishop Milingo previously was a “special delegate” of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers.
It is believed that his book will reveal new details about his May 2001 “marriage” to a Korean woman chosen for him by Moon, founder of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification.
