VATICAN CITY
Catholic News Agency

Vatican City, Mar 20, 2015 / 05:54 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In a rare move, Pope Francis accepted the resignation of disgraced Scottish Cardinal Keith Patrick O’Brien from the rights and duties of a cardinal, the Vatican announced on Friday.

“As most people are aware, Pope Francis is a good and prayerful man whose character embodies justice and mercy. I am confident therefore that the decision of the Holy Father is fair, equitable and proportionate,” Archbishop Leo Cushley of Saint Andrews and Edinburgh in a March 20 statement.

“Cardinal O’Brien’s behaviour distressed many, demoralised faithful Catholics and made the Church less credible to those who are not Catholic. I therefore acknowledge and welcome his apology to those affected by his behaviour and also to the people of Scotland, especially the Catholic community.”

Cardinal O’Brien stood down as Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh in March…