The disgraced former head of the Roman Catholic church in Scotland, Cardinal Keith O’Brien has died, aged 80. O’Brien died in a hospital from an injury sustained from a fall.
Recall O’Brien was forced to resign as archbishop of St Andrew’s and Edinburgh back in February 2013, following an investigation by The Observer which brought to fore serious allegations of sexual misconduct.
Three priests and a former priest accused O’Brien of improper sexual conduct in relation to a series of incidents in the 1980s.
The former head of Roman Catholic Church suffered a head injury and broken collar bone after he fell last month.O’Brien was transfered to the Royal Victoria hospital in Newcastle, where he received the last rites on Friday, his 80th birthday, from his successor, Archbishop Leo Cushley.
Cushley said: “In life, Cardinal O’Brien may have divided opinion. In death, however, I think all can be united in praying for the repose of his soul, for comfort for his grieving family and that support and solace be given to those whom he offended, hurt and let down. May he rest in peace.”
O’Brien initially denied the allegations but later offered his resignation to Pope Francis on 18 February 2013.
“My sexual conduct has fallen below the standards expected of me as a priest, archbishop and cardinal,” O’Brien said.
“I have valued the opportunity of serving the people of Scotland and overseas in various ways since becoming a priest. 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, ” he wrote.
