British cardinal resigns over "inappropriate behaviour" allegations
Britain's most senior Roman Catholic cleric, Cardinal Keith O'Brien, 74, has resigned, a day after he rejected allegations that he had behaved in an "inappropriate" way with other priests.
The Observer newspaper said Cardinal Keith O'Brien, the archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, who is known for outspoken views on homosexuality, had been reported to the Vatican over allegations of inappropriate behaviour stretching back 30 years.
Three priests and a former priest, from a Scottish diocese, complained to the Vatican and demanded O'Brien's immediate resignation, the newspaper said, adding that they wanted the conclave to choose Pope Benedict's successor to be "clean".
The Observer gave little detail on the allegations but said one complainant had said O'Brien made an inappropriate approach after night prayers. Another priest complained of unwanted behaviour by O'Brien after a late-night drinking session.
The above video was taken before the Cardinal resigned.
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Joe Xuereb
Feb 26th, 12:53
@John Benner(Today, 00:00). Quote: '..it would have over shadowed the election of a new pope..' It would have overshadowed Malta's election (alas, the block of ice/oil contracts charade has to go on). The Maltese being suckers for punishment, the attention span extended ad infinitum if a life-enhancing squabble to validate one's sad existence is what such a squabble affords. Watch this space!
Louise Vella
Feb 26th, 12:51
Where are the good Maltese priests we can count on for their courage, their integrity and their purpose to stand for the truth no matter what it takes, how long it takes or who it upsets?
Joe Xuereb
Feb 26th, 04:41
@Albert Spiteri(Yesterday,18:11). Albert, not all people are made of the same stuff. you & I, for instance - we differ. If I invested my all in a priest & said priest lets me down, am I supposed to say 'oh well! he's only human!' & continue believing in whatever including an afterlife? The investment's that heavy. Now YOU may take this stance but personally, I wouldn't. Ever heard of scandal A?
John Benner
Feb 26th, 00:00
In the UK newspapers are reporting that in fact it was the Holy Father that asked him to resign and quickly, he was due to fly to Rome on Tuesday and it seems the last thing they needed was for him to enter the conclave with these allegations hanging and what the media would have made of it ,it would have over shadowed the election of a new pope .
Joseph Borg
Feb 25th, 22:04
the 'Scarlet Harlot' as described in Revelation.
Louise Vella
Feb 25th, 21:57
To think that the way they treat cardinals is as if they are one step below God. What elegant perfect hypocrisy.
Ian Glazier
Feb 25th, 20:26
If the allegations are founded then he must be jailed.
Albert Spiteri
Feb 25th, 18:11
It is a pity man judges the message by the messanger! Priest, bishop, cardinal or even pope are all humans with human weaknesses. Some have the spiritual and philosophical strength to out-fight these weaknesses, others do not. BUT THE MESSAGE REMAINS THE SAME - THAT OF FAITH, HOPE, CHARITY AND LIFE EVER AFTER FOR ALL THOSE OF GOOD WILL!
I Bugeja
Mar 4th, 23:57
Let them keep the good will - if any. I will keep my life.
Mr Terry Gosden
Feb 25th, 17:08
Hmmm, I wonder if more people are actually thinking about speaking up.
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Feb 26th, 06:04
If people spoke up you would probably end up without a Conclave.
Bill Khan
Feb 25th, 16:30
So just three people make an allegation and the man resigns. And duly a contender outspoken on homosexuality is conveniently put away. In UK Jimmy saville is dead for some time but now we come to know he raped more than 40 women and sexually abused hundreds. As Gandhi said if the whole world says one thing, a lie does not become the truth.
John Benner
Feb 25th, 19:23
It was actually four people ,3 serving priests and one man who came out of the priesthood ,so you obviously think these allegations have no foundation ,yet the most senior RC cleric in Britain resigns because he is innocent .Knowing what we know of the catholic church over abuse we know they fight and fight , in this case they have just rolled over in days ,.no Mr Khan the Vatican is not like that
Bill Khan
Feb 26th, 12:52
@ John Benner
Every institution in the world has similar problems of abuse from politicians to bankers and teachers and doctors and lawyers too. No doubt there are and have been incidents of abuse within the catholic church. But the maligning of the catholic church constantly and persistently may have some other deep sinister motives and objective than would appear on the surface.
Emanuel Farrugia
Feb 25th, 16:23
The late Pope John Paul II ordered a review of the Catholic church's policy on homosexuality after US priests were involved in child sex abuse. [Friday, 23 September 2005]
Emanuel Farrugia former student Faculty of Theology & FEMA UOM
Please choose the reason of your report below: