In quotes: Pius Ncube

Pius Ncube has described Robert Mugabe as "an evil man"

Zimbabwe's Roman Catholic Archbishop Pius Ncube, an outspoken critic of President Robert Mugabe, has resigned after an adultery scandal.

Here is a selection of quotes by Mr Ncube, who had served as Archbishop of Bulawayo since 1997.

ON HIS RESIGNATION

I wrote to the Pope within days of what was obviously a state-driven, vicious attack not just on myself but by proxy on the Catholic Church in Zimbabwe.

In order to spare my fellow bishops and the body of the Church any further attacks, I decided this [resignation] was the best course of action.

I have not been silenced by the crude machinations of a wicked regime. I am committed to promoting the social teachings of the Church.

ON PRESIDENT MUGABE

[Mr] Mugabe is a man who is a megalomaniac. He loves power, he lives for power. Even his own party [Zanu-PF] are pleading with him - 'Please stand down, you've done enough good.'

According to Zanu-PF he's done a lot of good, according to me, he's done a lot of evil.

[Mr] Mugabe is an evil man, a bully and a murderer. I will not be bullied or bought by him.

Zimbabweans are so desperate, that we're ready to offer anything to get this man out.

ON MASS PROTESTS

I am ready to stand in front. We must be ready to stand, even in front of blazing guns... I accept that it may mean that I lose my life.

Starvation stalks our land and [the] government does nothing to correct our situation.

People are angry now and should stand up, fill the streets and demand that this man [Mr Mugabe] steps down now.

People should pluck up just a bit of courage and stand up against him and chase him away.

ON FOREIGN INTERVENTION

We have to choose between two evils. A government which is ready to sacrifice the lives of its own people, or bringing it down at the risk of being called imperialistic.

Many people in Zimbabwe are angry, and their anger is now erupting into open revolt.

You can't negotiate with him [Mr Mugabe]. It's useless. African presidents have tried to negotiate with that man to no avail.

ON REGIONAL LEADERS' POSITION

All they do is back each other up and drink tea together.

African leaders keep saying it is for the people of Zimbabwe to work it out. This is just an excuse for them.

They fear facing the facts but they know very well there are so many injustices in Zimbabwe.

ON HIS PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

I will use my experiences working among the people to lobby for greater humanitarian support, in particular food and medical supplies at this time of extreme national crisis.

I will continue to speak out on the issues that sadly become more acute by the day... Recent events have brought me closer to God and have given me a clearer sense of mission.