Scottish Cardinal O'Brien apologizes for sexual conduct

Scottish Cardinal Keith O’Brien, who had contested accusations of sexual impropriety in February, today acknowledged that “there have been times that my sexual conduct has fallen below the standards expected of me.”

O’Brien decided not to attend the March conclave after a newspaper reported that three priests and one former priest had accused him of inappropriate sexual behavior when he was a seminary rector in the 1980s.

Here is the statement issued today by Cardinal O’Brien:

“In recent days certain allegations which have been made against me have become public. Initially, their anonymous and non-specific nature led me to contest them.

However, I wish to take this opportunity to admit that there have been times that my sexual conduct has fallen below the standards expected of me as a priest, archbishop and cardinal.

To those I have offended, I apologise and ask forgiveness.

To the Catholic Church and people of Scotland, I also apologise.

I will now spend the rest of my life in retirement. I will play no further part in the public life of the Catholic Church in Scotland.”