Vatican City, May 15, 2013 / 08:39 am
Cardinal Keith P. O'Brien will be spending several months in penance and prayer outside of Scotland after meeting with Pope Francis, according to the Vatican.
The Vatican press office released a one-paragraph statement on May 15 which says that Cardinal O'Brien "for the same reasons he decided not to participate in the last Conclave, and in agreement with the Holy Father, will be leaving Scotland for several months for the purpose of spiritual renewal, prayer, and penance."
"Any decision regarding future arrangements for His Eminence shall be agreed upon with the Holy See," it added.
In the days before the election Pope Francis, Cardinal O'Brien – who was the Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh – became the focus of media attention following accusations by three priests and one former priest that he made inappropriate sexual advances toward them in the 1980s.
The cardinal revealed on Feb. 18 that he would not attend the conclave and at the same time announced that Pope Benedict had accepted his resignation, effective Feb. 25.
Where the cardinal will be living out his time of penance and renewal is not known, and the Scottish Catholic Media Office could not provide any additional information.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA