VATICAN CITY — An African bishop who has run up against church officials over the years for his faith-healing practices has now lost his Vatican post.
The Vatican confirmed that Emmanuel Milingo, 70, was removed from his position as a special delegate on immigrant matters. Pope John Paul II brought Milingo to the Vatican in 1983 and gave him that title after removing him as archbishop of Lusaka, Zambia.
Since coming to Rome, Milingo has attracted thousands of people from across Europe seeking cures for cancer and AIDS. He also has performed exorcisms.
Friends of Milingo on Wednesday circulated a letter addressed to the pope and other Vatican officials contesting his dismissal, the ANSA news agency said. The Vatican had no comment.
The letter said the firing was the work of a "small but powerful" group that "will have to account for its actions to the faithful."
Several Italian archbishops, including Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini of Milan, have barred Milingo from celebrating Mass in their territory.
Martini said the action was prompted by numerous complaints over the "style" of the ceremonies and the behavior of his followers.