SCOTLAND
Daily Record
THE Pope told Cardinal Keith O’Brien he could leave the church immediately yesterday amid allegations of inappropriate conduct towards three priests dating back 30 years.
CARDINAL Keith O’Brien shocked the world yesterday after apologising for his failures as he resigned as head of the Scottish Catholic Church.
The stunning admission came after allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards three priests and one ex-priest in the 1980s.
He said: “For any failures, I apologise to all whom I have offended.” O’Brien’s decision sent shockwaves through the Catholic community as they prepare for the appointment of a new pope after Benedict XVI resigned earlier this month.
The cardinal, Britain’s most senior Catholic, had been planning to stand down when he turned 75 next month.
As recently as Friday, he talked about taking part in the conclave to appoint the next Pope.
But after the priests’ allegations became known, he was told by the pope that he could leave
immediately.
Yesterday, he confirmed Pope Benedict “had now decided that my resignation will take effect today”.
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