Embattled Zim cleric resigns

BULAWAYO – Archbishop Pius Ncube, facing a damaging Z$20 billion adultery lawsuit, has resigned from the Bulawayo Roman Catholic Diocese after The Vatican in Italy yesterday acceded to his application for relief of duties.

Archbishop Ncube’s resignation will come as a shock to millions of Zimbabweans who have supported and stood by him during the exposure of the adultery case. A terse statement written by the Vatican and signed by Archbishop Adams, the Vatican representative in Zimbabwe, and released yesterday said the Pope had accepted Archbishop Ncube’s resignation.The statement further says Father Martin Schupp will take over Archbishop Ncube’s position until further notice.”Today the Pope has accepted the resignation of His Excellency Archbishop Pius Ncube as the Archbishop of the Bulawayo Diocese.Father Martin Schupp will act as administrator until further notice and until a decision is made,” the Vatican said.Archbishop Ncube is being sued for adultery by a Bulawayo man, Onesimus Sibanda, who accuses the clergyman of being involved in a two-year adulterous relationship with his wife Rosemary.ZimOnlineA terse statement written by the Vatican and signed by Archbishop Adams, the Vatican representative in Zimbabwe, and released yesterday said the Pope had accepted Archbishop Ncube’s resignation.The statement further says Father Martin Schupp will take over Archbishop Ncube’s position until further notice.”Today the Pope has accepted the resignation of His Excellency Archbishop Pius Ncube as the Archbishop of the Bulawayo Diocese.Father Martin Schupp will act as administrator until further notice and until a decision is made,” the Vatican said.Archbishop Ncube is being sued for adultery by a Bulawayo man, Onesimus Sibanda, who accuses the clergyman of being involved in a two-year adulterous relationship with his wife Rosemary.ZimOnline