Headline modified by the Muslim Times
Source: BBC
Britain’s most senior Roman Catholic cleric, Cardinal Keith O’Brien, is stepping down as leader of the Scottish Catholic Church.
It follows allegations – which he contests – of inappropriate behaviour towards priests dating from the 1980s.
In a statement, he apologised to those he had offended during his ministry.
The cardinal confirmed he would not take part in the election for a successor to the Pope – leaving Britain unrepresented in the election.
He said Pope Benedict has accepted his resignation as Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh.
Cardinal O’Brien said in a statement he had already tendered his resignation, due to take effect when he turned 75 next month, but that Pope Benedict “has now decided that my resignation will take effect today”.
He said the pontiff would appoint an apostolic administrator to govern the archdiocese in his place until his successor is appointed.
Categories: Europe