Cardinal Keith O’Brien Resigns

He’s not going to the Conclave, either.

Edit: one down, three to go. (There are more than that, but you get the idea)  In his defense, he was outspoken against immorality, and received a great deal of public criticism because of it.  It’s also unfortunate that his resignation will take place in the context of his good remarks, and that this will overshadow the hostility he bore for faithful Catholics in his Diocese.

Also, his statement is very humble, in contrast to others.

It brings to mind another high ranking Cardinal, Cardinal Billot, who resigned in 1911.  Although Cardinal O’Brien hasn’t resigned his distinction as ++Bilot had.

Britain's most senior Roman Catholic cleric resigned today following allegations he behaved in an "inappropriate" way with other priests, and said he would not be going to the Vatican to take part in the election for Pope Benedict's replacement. 

Cardinal Keith O'Brien, who had been expected to take part in the conclave, said he had tendered his resignation to Pope Benedict some months ago as he was turning 75 and because he was suffering from "indifferent health". 

The pope, who himself is stepping down on February 28 because of ill health, had decided to accept O'Brien's resignation before he left the role, O'Brien, the archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, said in a statement.

Link to Indian Express...