SCOTLAND
Daily Record

By Lynn McPherson
19 May 2013

SHAMED Cardinal Keith O’Brien would be “broken” if he is banned from returning to Scotland, according to a friend.

The Vatican last week announced O’Brien would leave the country for several months “for the purpose of spiritual renewal, prayer and penance”.

But a parish priest who has spoken on his behalf said he had become extremely depressed by his enforced exile.

Canon John Creanor said: “The last time I spoke to the Cardinal he was utterly defeated.

“He loves Scotland. He’s made his life and his name here. I can be certain that if he were denied to come back to Scotland again he would be broken.”