Archbishop Emeritus Keith Cardinal O'Brien has died

Source: SCMO

The Scottish Catholic Media Office said in a statement this morning: At 1am today, 19 March 2018, His Eminence Keith Patrick Cardinal O'Brien, Archbishop Emeritus of St Andrews & Edinburgh, died at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Newcastle-upon-Tyne surrounded by family and friends and fortified by the rites of Holy Church. RIP. He was 80 years old.

Commenting upon the news, Archbishop Leo Cushley of St Andrews & Edinburgh 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."

The President and Vice-President of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland, Archbishop Philip Tartaglia and Bishop Joseph Toal have offered their condolences on the death of Cardinal Keith O'Brien.

Archbishop Tartaglia said: "We have received the sad news of the death of Cardinal Keith O'Brien, Emeritus Archbishop of St Andrews & Edinburgh. On behalf of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland I wish to express my sincere sympathy on the death of the late Cardinal to his family and close friends. I ask for prayers for the repose of his soul. May he rest in peace."

Bishop Toal said: "I will pray for the eternal repose of the soul of Cardinal Keith Patrick O'Brien, who died early this morning - may he rest in God's peace. I extend my sympathy and prayerful support to his family, friends and all who mourn his passing. With constant hope in the Lord's goodness and mercy."

Archbishop Emeritus Keith Patrick Cardinal O'Brien was born at Ballycastle, Co Antrim, Ireland on 17 March 1938. He was educatedat St Patrick's High School, Dumbarton, Holy Cross Academy, Edinburgh; University of Edinburgh (BSc, 1959; Dip.Ed., 1966); St Andrew's College, Drygrange. Ordained priest at Edinburgh, 3rd April 1965 he served as assistant priest at Holy Cross, Edinburgh 1965- 66; St Bride's, Cowdenbeath and Chaplain to St Columba's Secondary School 1966-71; St Patrick's, Kilsyth, 1972-75; St Mary's, Bathgate 1975-78; spiritual director, St Andrew's College, Drygrange 1978-80; rector, St Mary's College, Blairs 1980-85. He was nominated Archbishop of St Andrews & Edinburgh on 30 May 1985, and ordained by Cardinal Gordon Gray, Archbishop Emeritus of St Andrews & Edinburgh, at Edinburgh, 5 August 1985. Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Argyll & the Isles 1996-99; created Cardinal 21 October 2003.

Following a series of allegations relating to his personal life, Cardinal O'Brien resigned as Archbishop of St Andrews & Edinburgh 25 February 2013 and issued a media release on 3 March 2013 in which he announced his retirement from public life, stating:

"I wish to take this opportunity to admit that there have been times that my sexual conduct has fallen below the standards expected of me as a priest, archbishop and cardinal. To those I have offended, I apologise and ask forgiveness. To the Catholic Church and people of Scotland, I also apologise. I will now spend the rest of my life in retirement. I will play no further part in the public life of the Catholic Church in Scotland." With the agreement of the Holy See, he subsequently moved to the north of England.

Following an apostolic visitation to Scotland led by Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta, the Holy See announced on 20 March 2015 that Pope Francis had "accepted the resignation of Cardinal Keith Patrick O'Brien from the rights and duties of a Cardinal". The Holy See Press Office O'Brien stated that Cardinal O'Brien would not take part in future papal elections, act as papal adviser, or take part in Vatican congregations and councils and would lose other roles of a cardinal.

Funeral arrangements for Cardinal O'Brien are still to be finalised but will be done so in coming days in consultation with the Holy See and Cardinal O'Brien's family.