Cardinal Keith O’Brien An Irish-born cardinal, who resigned five years ago as archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh after admitting to sexual misconduct, died on March 19 at the age of 80.
Born at Ballycastle in Co. Antrim, Cardinal Keith O’Brien stepped down as archbishop in February 2013, following allegations from three priests and one former priest that he made sexual advances toward them over 20 years earlier.
The cardinal initially denied the allegations but issued a public apology for his actions a week later and retired from public life.
He died in a Newcastle-upon-Tyne nursing home, where he was being cared for following a fall in February.
The cardinal’s successor, Archbishop Leo Cushley, said: “In life, Cardinal O’Brien may have divided opinion; in death, however, I think all can be united in praying for the repose of his soul, for comfort for his grieving family and that support and solace be given to those whom he offended, hurt and let down. May he rest in peace.”
