New Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh Named by Catholic Church

STV
July 24, 2013

http://news.stv.tv/east-central/233915-monsignor-leo-cushley-named-new-archbishop-of-st-andrews-and-edinburgh/

Catholic Church: Monsignor Leo Cushley will be the new Archbishop.

The Catholic Church have named Monsignor Leo Cushley as the new Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh.

Cardinal Keith O’Brien stood down at the end of February amid allegations of "inappropriate behaviour".

In Edinburgh on Wednesday, Archbishop Philip Tartaglia introduced Mgr Cushley as the new archbishop-elect.

Mgr Cushley works in the Vatican's secretariat of state as a papal translator. As head of the English Language desk, he is responsible for relations with the English-speaking world.

The 52-year-old, who was born in Airdrie, Lanarkshire, will be ordained as archbishop in St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh, on September 21.

He said: "I am humbled that our Holy Father Pope Francis has nominated me for such an important task here in our ancient capital. I know it's a delicate moment and that there is a lot to be done but, with God's grace and the kind support of the clergy and people of Edinburgh, I will work cheerfully and willingly with all the energy I can muster.

"There are certain important questions that I will also have to familiarise myself with. I have no jurisdiction in the diocese until after I have been ordained in late September. Only then will I be able to take stock of what has happened and see what can be done.

"It is my sincere hope to do this always in truth and in charity, with a view to reconciliation and healing among the Catholics of Edinburgh.

"My first task is to preach the good news, Christ crucified and risen from the dead, to confirm my brother priests in their Catholic faith and ministry, and to be a loving, simple, wise shepherd to the flock that has been entrusted to me."

Mgr Cushley was educated at the seminary of St. Mary's College, Blairs in Aberdeen, before attending the Gregorian University at the Scots College in Rome and was ordained a priest in Uddingston, South Lanarkshire, in 1985. After nine years in Scotland, the priest was called up to work at the Vatican.

During his 18 years with the secretariat, the former pupil of St John's School in Uddingston, has worked in Cairo, Burundi, Portugal and as a diplomat at the United Nations in New York.

Cardinal O'Brien left after three current priests and a former priest made allegations of "inappropriate behaviour".

He later admitted his sexual conduct "fallen below the standards expected of me as a priest, archbishop and cardinal".

Cardinal O'Brien had been the Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh since 1985. He had intended to resign when he turned 75 in March.

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