SCOTLAND
The Tablet
20 March 2015 12:23 by Christopher Lamb
Pope Francis has today accepted the resignation of Cardinal Keith O’Brien from the “rights and privileges” of being a cardinal.
The highly unusual move took place following a private discussion between the cardinal and the Pope and means that the former Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh can no longer take part in a future conclave or assist with the governance of the Church.
He does, however, retain the title of cardinal and is permitted to wear the red hat or vestments associated with the office in private.
Cardinal O’Brien was accused of sexual misconduct by five men, four of them priests, and stood down as archbishop in February 2013 after these allegations were made public.
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