Friend of Keith O’Brien says the shamed cardinal would be “broken” if he is banned from returning to Scotland

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.”

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