SCOTLAND
Glasgow Evening Times
CARDINAL Keith O’Brien today stepped down as leader of Scotland’s Roman Catholics amid allegations that he behaved inappropriately towards four priests.
Pope Benedict XVI accepted his resignation seven days ago but it was only made public today by the Church which released a statement by Britain’s most senior cleric.
The cardinal was expected to leave his post in three weeks times but his departure will only fuel the controversial surrounding his alleged behaviour.
In a prepared statement Cardinal O’Brien said he had lodged his resignation with the Vatican in November ahead of his 75th birthday on March 17.
He said: “The Holy Father has now decided that my resignation will take effect today, 25 February, 2013, and that he will appoint an Apostolic Administrator to govern the Archdiocese in my place until my successor as Archbishop is appointed.
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