The letter, published Friday by the Vatican Press Office, is dated Aug. 25, four days prior to the meeting between Sung and the archbishop, to make their separation final.
Milingo writes in the letter that, «while saying thank you to the Holy Father, I realize that this brief and simple thank you is very little.»
The former archbishop of Lusaka, Zambia, recalled his Aug. 6 meeting with John Paul II, when Milingo put an end to his marriage and to contacts with the Moon sect, and reaffirmed his loyalty to the Catholic Church.
At this point in the letter, Milingo compares himself to the sinful woman in the Bible who kissed Jesus´ feet in repentance, and to the prodigal son who returns to his father´s embrace.
