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The Vatican on September 26 announced the excommunication of African archbishop emeritus Emmanuel Milingo as a penalty for his having installed four married men as Roman Catholic bishops two days before. The four men consecrated by Milingo during ceremonies in Washington, D.C., were also excommunicated.

The former director of the Vatican Observatory has rejected speculation that he was replaced because of his vocal opposition to “intelligent design,” adding that Pope Benedict XVI “enthusiastically supported” his work.

Breaking a three-week silence, the Jesuit priest and astronomer George Coyne said he volunteered to step down, citing a need for fresh leadership at the observatory following his nearly 28-year tenure.