SCOTLAND
Catholic Herald

It is the first time a cardinal has resigned since 1927

Cardinal Keith O’Brien has renounced all the rights and privileges of being a cardinal, the Vatican announced today.

It is understood he will retain the title of cardinal but none of the powers associated with it.

A Vatican statement said: “The Holy Father has accepted the resignation of the rights and privileges of a Cardinal, expressed in canons 349, 353 and 356 of the Code of Canon Law, presented by His Eminence Cardinal Keith Michael Patrick O’Brien, Archbishop Emeritus of St Andrews and Edinburgh, after a long period of prayer. With this provision, His Holiness would like to manifest his pastoral solicitude to all the faithful of the Church in Scotland and to encourage them to continue with hope the path of renewal and reconciliation.”

Following the Vatican announcement Cardinal O’Brien said: “I wish to…