Irish-born Scottish Cardinal Keith O’Brien has resigned effective immediately and will not take part in the papal conclave. His resignation means there will be no British representative at the conclave.
O’Brien had been accused by four priests of sexual exploitation when they were much younger, with some of the charges going back 30 years. He had previously denied the charges. They made an official complaint to the Papal Nuncio in Britain.
In a statement, the Antrim-born prelate said he had previously submitted his resignation as per usual when a cardinal reaches 75 but “the Holy Father has now decided that my resignation will take effect today."
Cardinal O'Brien said "I do not wish media attention in Rome to be focused on me - but rather on Pope Benedict XVI and on his successor."
In a statement issued by the Scottish Catholic Church, he said: "I have valued the opportunity of serving the people of Scotland and overseas in various ways since becoming a priest.
Read more: Priests make sexual allegations against Scottish Cardinal Keith O’Brien
"Looking back over my years of ministry: For any good I have been able to do, I thank God. For any failures, I apologise to all whom I have offended."
Cardinal O'Brien had been expected to resign in view of his 75th birthday on March 17.
Cardinal O'Brien said "I thank Pope Benedict XVI for his kindness and courtesy to me and, on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Scotland, I wish him a long and happy retirement. I also ask God's blessing on my brother Cardinals who will soon gather in Rome to elect his successor."
"I will pray with them and for them that, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, they will make the correct choice for the future good of the Church. May God who has blessed me so often in my ministry continue to bless and help me in the years which remain for me on Earth and may he shower his blessings on all the peoples of Scotland, especially those I was privileged to serve in a special way in the Archdiocese of Saint Andrews and Edinburgh."
The Guardian's Observer reported that the four, priests from the diocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh, complained to nuncio Antonio Mennini, the Vatican’s ambassador to Britain.
The Vatican announced yesterday that they had received the complaint and that the pope would deal with it.
The pope’s spokesman Father Federico Lombardi, said "The pope is informed about the problem and the issue is now in his hands."
O’Brien was to be the only UK cardinal allowed to attend the conclave.
35 Comments
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.EamonnDublin | Feb 28, 2013, 06:14 AM EST
Come on, you guys! I consider that I made it abundantly clear in my final sentence that what I am objecting to is Irish Central's use of the "Irish", "Northern Irish", "British" or whatever titles they wish to bestow, as and when it suits because of a particular matter's merits or demerits. I totally accept that a person born in Northern Ireland is as Irish as I am (born in the Republic). I am a believer in Irish unity. In the seventies, at the height of the "trouble" I was a senior member in England of the Campaign for Social Justice in Northern Ireland. My wife and I were privileged to act as hosts to John Hume when he visited Leeds and stayed in our house for two nights. So, please don't start taking a wrong meaning out of what I said, just to have an argument. Sean(OMelb)took the proper meaning, so it's not that I am now trying to change it - the proper meaning is there for all to see. Éamonn, Dublin, IRELAND (Not "Republic of" - I never put that. My country is IRELAND - as also it is the country of those born in the North and who consider themselves IRISH).
Smyrnian | Feb 27, 2013, 07:14 AM EST
Don't worry, Olovely. There will be another IC sponsored anti/Catholic article along very shortly now. I believe it is a daily event now. You will then have another opportunity for one if your breathless diatribes. As you will no doubt continue your hysterical rants at least your are always good to laugh at if nothing else.
olovely | Feb 26, 2013, 08:14 PM EST
Actually I'm sitting here pairing my nails as the Catholic Church dismantles itself. And I don't appreciate your sexist characterization, it couldn't be further from the truth (but you've shown no appetite for contemplating the truth Smyrnian).
Smyrnian | Feb 26, 2013, 06:03 PM EST
Olovely -,I know this anti-Catholic stuff really excites you but you are coming across as breathless and as if you are experiencing some kind of frenzy. Calm down. IC will continue to feed your insatiable appetite.
bluemars | Feb 26, 2013, 12:31 PM EST
Now I am sure he will receive a full pension and retired to carry on all safe and happy while the people who supported him for years live in poverty. He is probably laughing behind our backs.
anglo-norman | Feb 26, 2013, 09:04 AM EST
Please Ireland GROW UP..Think for yourselves!!
warlocks | Feb 26, 2013, 12:32 AM EST
My God ! will it ever end ? I CAN REMEMBER WHEN THE Parish priest was like god when i was a child growing up in an Irish Town in Boston, Ma. they would put the fear of God in you if you missed mass on a Holy Day or on a sunday you ould have to be at death's door to miss Mass. who knew how Evil they were . i for one was an Altar Boy for 3 years but never had any problems. but i did hear Stories about Girls being Felt up & molested . in other Parishes. There should be a investigation by this new Pope and weed out the pedophile priests , Bishope & Cardinals. and nuns as well they are not lilly white & free from Molesting young Girls. its long over Due ! time to clean House
anglo-norman | Feb 25, 2013, 09:41 PM EST
Will the Irish ever see through that sham of a religion...
pilib04 | Feb 25, 2013, 09:33 PM EST
Well put, olovely.
olovely | Feb 25, 2013, 09:16 PM EST
Progressives didn't admire Cardinal O'Brien because he was England's number one gay basher (who, as so often happens with gay bashers, turned out to be harboring gay feelings himself). So your claim is insupportable KweenOHearts. O'Brien was another garden variety company store man who insisted we do as he say, not as he did. Jacersagain did it ever occur to you the donkey might be yourself for paying a blind bit of notice to the blatant idiots?
pilib04 | Feb 25, 2013, 08:28 PM EST
I think it is appropriate to refer to O'Brien as Irish born or born in Northern Ireland. Either is acceptable. Calling an Irishman, British, is a little over the top although there can be no argument that he is Britain's cardinal.
jacersagain | Feb 25, 2013, 08:03 PM EST
The Innocents are always accused first. No matter how much people try to rock the boat of St. Peter and, yes, some may fall off into the seas with or without a millstone around their necks, there will always be the boat, or donkey, of St. Peter and his Christ to lead people in Truth. Figure out who are the boat-rockers… they, too, often fall into the sea, with or without a millstone around their necks.
KweenOHearts | Feb 25, 2013, 07:08 PM EST
Tsk, tsk, and doesn't if feel bad to have to eat crow, after you progressos had so highly acclaimed this cardinal for bowing to the culture of the day and claiming that priests should be married! --- Now that he's on the outs for exactly the sin you've been ranting and raving ALL priests are guilty of [he was probably trying to cover his own footsteps and creating some sympathy among the hateful hedonistic heathens]... do you still feel like proclaiming his forward vision?? And btw, what does Opus Dei have to do with this guy's behavior? -- Some people try to fling dung, because they are drowning in their own, and can't seem to get their head above it.
KweenOHearts | Feb 25, 2013, 07:07 PM EST
Tsk, tsk, and doesn't if feel bad to have to eat crow, after you progressos had so highly acclaimed this cardinal for bowing to the culture of the day and claiming that priests should be married! --- Now that he's on the outs for exactly the sin you've been ranting and raving ALL priests are guilty of [he was probably trying to cover his own footsteps and creating some sympathy among the hateful hedonistic heathens]... do you still feel like proclaiming his forward vision?? And btw, what does Opus Dei have to do with this guy's behavior? -- Some people try to fling dung, because they are drowning in their own, and can't seem to get their head above it.
KweenOHearts | Feb 25, 2013, 06:59 PM EST
Tsk, tsk, and doesn't if feel bad to have to eat crow, after you progressos had so highly acclaimed this cardinal for bowing to the culture of the day and claiming that priests should be married! --- Now that he's on the outs for exactly the sin you've been ranting and raving ALL priests are guilty of [he was probably trying to cover his own footsteps and creating some sympathy among the hateful hedonistic heathens]... do you still feel like proclaiming his forward vision??
seanomelb | Feb 25, 2013, 05:56 PM EST
There,s a modicum of truth in what Eamonn states. As I stated in another post yesterday the famous from 6 counties are British when they popularand Irish when they regress. Catholicism seems to reel from one calamity to another. Rome needs to rid itself of the opus dei types and the other middle of the road fascists running the church into oblivion.
barneyjo | Feb 25, 2013, 04:38 PM EST
@EamonDublin: A line on a map is NOT sufficient to firewall the Irish Republic from the lineage of this man. Many on this page refer to "Irish" Actor Liam Neeson (also born in Antrim) I find myself (curiously) in concert with Gearoid4 in puzzlement at your remarks. I would also point out that in many posts on this site, in the wake of the publication of the Murphy Report, I noted that I was pretty certain that all that had gone before was merely a portent for what has come and what has yet to be revealed concerning the dysfunctionality of the Catholic hierarchy across the world. I would contend yet again that as a believer, our Father in heaven is calling time on those within the church who have brought it to this sorry state. More anon!!
Gearoid4 | Feb 25, 2013, 04:18 PM EST
@EamonnDublin, I usually agree with most of your commentaries, Eamonn, and find them illuminating and erudite. But this time I'm puzzled at your taking issue with Niall O'Dowd for omitting "Northern" before the "Irish" in reference to the Cardinal's nationality, because in your opinion, it distorts the real nationality of the beleagured prelate . Are you inferring that somehow by the mere fact of Cardinal Keith O'Brien being a native son of Ballycastle, Co Antrim that he does not qualify as a true Irishman. Why should Niall have to prefix the term "Irish" with "Northern" in relation to his nationality? It seems that you want to fall back on the lazy partitionist mentality which blurs and constrains the vision of some many southerners in relation to Irish citizens up north. I hope that I've got this one wrong and you are free to correct me if I have.
ballylanger | Feb 25, 2013, 03:13 PM EST
Pope and cardinal resign. Are the wheels finally coming off the great con that is religion?
Smyrnian | Feb 25, 2013, 02:04 PM EST
Myhomenj - Olovely sure casts an awful lot of stones. She must surely be a Saint!
Rebelforce | Feb 25, 2013, 12:13 PM EST
We have known for some time that men who are homophobic turn out to be the biggest closet cases. Last year Cardinal Keith O'Brien, head of the Catholic Church in Scotland, led the battle to defeat the gay marriage bill in the British parliament. O'Brien called gay marriage "madness" and a "grotesque subversion of a universally accepted human right." O'Brien, an Antrim native, said countries that legalize gay marriage are “shaming themselves” and "going against the “natural law.” "Imagine for a moment that the Government had decided to legalize slavery but assured us that "no one will be forced to keep a slave." “Would such worthless assurances calm our fury? Would they justify dismantling a fundamental human right? Or would they simply amount to weasel words masking a great wrong?” O'Brien stated “I think it’s a very, very good example of what might happen in our own country in the present time." He claimed that “further aberrations would take place and society would be degenerating even further than it already has into immorality.”
bunkerisland | Feb 25, 2013, 11:55 AM EST
At least 4 former seminarians have described inappropriate advances carried out by the retiring Cardinal. No doubt more of this behavior could and might surface before much longer. A alleged predator doing this 30 years ago makes it very unlikely that the behavior stopped. The Cardinal "resigned" because he doesn't want to draw media attention from the changing leadership at the Vatican? Me thinks he was fired and now runs and hides from public view. The man (if that is an appropriate call) apparently behaved like a vulture, attempting to devour the youthful seminarians. All with a smile of course, a gentle touch and an evil mind! Return to the North of Ireland, devious one and learn how to make your own breakfast, tidy up the cottage, wash your own clothes, and throw turf on the fire. You might think about the torment and self doubt you created for the young seminarians you preyed upon.
Proud Canadian2 | Feb 25, 2013, 11:26 AM EST
Well this is one way to get a rebel preist to shut his mouth. He comes out in favour of priests being able to marry and they come up with the allegations of homosexual activitie and that all folks. The Vatican is like the Mafia only without guns.
olovely | Feb 25, 2013, 11:20 AM EST
Apparently Pope Bendict insisted that Cardinal O'Brien resign in one of his last acts as pope. So much for conspiracy theories.
myhomenj | Feb 25, 2013, 11:11 AM EST
I believe it was Jesus who said something like this " If anyone among you is without sin, cast the first stone"
pilib04 | Feb 25, 2013, 11:03 AM EST
So, are we to believe that O'Brien's dalliances in the 1980's were unknown to the Vatican until a few days ago?
irishamerica46 | Feb 25, 2013, 10:45 AM EST
What ever happened to innocent till proven guilty?
Seanmor | Feb 25, 2013, 09:45 AM EST
I'm not sure if I understand the reasons why Cardinal O'Brien was forced to resign. Was it because of his disapproval of homosexualy activity? To my knowledge, the R.C. Church has NOT endorsed same-sex unions of any kind, and neither has any Bible-believing Christian.
pilib04 | Feb 25, 2013, 09:14 AM EST
O'Brien's Homophobia and his campaign against Gay marriage had to lead to a renunciation by those who knew him! Homophobia is a very tricky position if you are a homosexual. I am grateful to the priests who "outed" O'Brien. Now, what was that Ephraimkibbey posted yesterday about the person who is "the loudest accuser is often the most involved." Boy did Ephraim hit the nail on the head with that one. O'Brien thought he could condemn gays and get away with it? Well, I for one am glad this "Irish" cleric is not going to the Conclave. Sean Brady (Armagh), Roger Mahony (LA) and Tim Dolan (Milwaukee, NYC) should take a page out of the O'Brien book and recuse themselves from the Conclave!
faberm1 | Feb 25, 2013, 09:07 AM EST
Sadly this seems to have become the "rule" rather than the "exception'. Unbelievable.
EamonnDublin | Feb 25, 2013, 09:00 AM EST
In his usual rush to knock all things Irish, Niall O'Dowd has omitted the important word "Northern" from before "Irish". Many American readers will not be aware that County Antrim is in NORTHERN Ireland. You can be sure that if this man had won gold at the Olympics, the O'Dowd headline would read "Northern Irish". Éamonn, Dublin, Ireland.
jane thomas | Feb 25, 2013, 08:56 AM EST
So sad... This man hardly even owns up to what he has done. But this is typical of a closed-minded church that captures these poor men, subjects them to abnormal sexual constraints and then wonders why the church is drying up. Let them marry, for goodness sakes!
fmcevoy | Feb 25, 2013, 08:49 AM EST
Thirty years. Glad they got around to mentioning it.
thetint | Feb 25, 2013, 08:46 AM EST
The first complaint was made 33 years ago! The cover up is still going on.
PhlutiePhan | Feb 25, 2013, 08:37 AM EST
Obviously very sad, but there will be more.