Cardinal Keith Michael Patrick O’Brien, Archbishop Emeritus of Edinburgh and Saint Andrews, Scotland, died on March 19, 2018 at 80. Indicted for “inappropriate sexual behavior with seminarians in the 80s, he renounced “the rights and prerogatives of the cardinalship” in 2015.
As is customary, Pope Francis on March 20, 2018, sent a telegram of condolences for the deceased cardinal, offering his prayers.
Keith Michael Patrick O’Brien was born on March 17, 1938 in Northern Ireland. He was ordained priest on April 3, 1965. During his pastoral life, he was Spiritual Director at St. Andrew’s College of Drygrange and Rector of St. Mary’s College of Blairs from, 1978 to 1985.
He was appointed Archbishop of Edinburgh and Saint Andrews on May 30, 1985 and consecrated Bishop on August 5. John Paul II created him Cardinal in the Consistory of October 21, 2003. From 2002 to 2012 he was President of the Episcopal Conference of Scotland.
Benedict XVI accepted the early resignation of Cardinal O’Brien, relieved of his pastoral responsibilities on February 25, 2013. He did not take part in the Conclave that elected Pope Francis in March 2013, and left Scotland for a time “of spiritual renewal, prayer and penance,” in May 2013.
Below is the Vatican-provided text of the Pope’s telegram:
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The Most Reverend Leo W. Cushley
Archbishop of Saint Andrews and Edinburgh
I was saddened to learn of the death of His Eminence Cardinal Keith Patrick O’Brien, and I offer heartfelt condolences to you, his family and all who mourn his passing. Commending his soul to the merciful love of God our Father, and with the assurance of my prayers for the Archdiocese of Saint Andrews and Edinburgh, I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of peace and consolation in our Lord Jesus Christ.
FRANCISCUS PP.
