Cardinal Murphy-O'connor on Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal O'Brien's Resignation

The Telegraph
February 26, 2013

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9894410/Cardinal-Murphy-OConnor-on-Pope-Benedict-XVI-and-Cardinal-OBriens-resignation.html

[with video]

The former head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor says it would be "inappropriate" for him to comment on Cardinal Keith O'Brien whilst an internal enquiry continues.

Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor's press conference to discuss Pope Benedict XVI's legacy and his visit to the UK in 2010, was over-shadowed by questions about the resignation of Scottish Catholic leader Cardinal Keith O'Brien.

Cardinal O'Brien stepped down on Monday after facing allegations dating from the 1980s that he behaved inappropriately towards priests.

Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor said it would be "inappropriate" for him to comment on the Scottish Catholic leader's resignation and stuck to talking about his memories of the 2005 Papal Conclave after the death of John Paul II.

Cardinal O'Brien had been planning to travel to the Vatican today as the UK's sole representative in the conclave to choose a replacement for Pope Benedit XVI.

Pope Benedict will step down on Thursday after nearly eight years as Pontiff, having unexpectedly announced his resignation on 11 Feb, citing health reasons.