Cardinal Keith O'Brien, disgraced Catholic church leader, dies

Cardinal Keith O’Brien, the disgraced former head of the Roman Catholic church in Scotland, has died, aged 80, in hospital after being injured in a recent fall.

O’Brien was forced to resign as archbishop of St Andrew’s and Edinburgh in February 2013, after serious allegations of sexual misconduct emerged following an investigation by the Observer.

The most senior Catholic figure in the UK at the time, O’Brien was accused by three priests and a former priest of improper sexual conduct in relation to a series of incidents in the 1980s.

After rising to become one of Scotland’s most famous religious figures, O’Brien left the country in disgrace – moving first to Ireland, then to Northumberland, before settling in Newcastle. He retained his title as cardinal despite his misconduct.

O’Brien sustained a head injury and broken collar bone after a fall last month. He was transferred to the Royal Victoria hospital in Newcastle, where he received the last rites on Friday, his 80^th birthday, from his successor, Archbishop Leo Cushley.

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.”

O’Brien was accused of unwanted and inappropriate approaches by the four men, including at night and after drinking sessions, dating from before his promotion to cardinal.

O’Brien had a prominent role in Scottish public life, campaigning against gay marriage and gay rights which earned him the title of “bigot of the year” from the campaign group Stonewall in 2012. He was often invited to attend government functions by Alex Salmond, the then first minister of Scotland, and several Labour Scottish secretaries.

He initially denied the allegations against him, but offered his resignation to Pope Francis on 18 February 2013.

“My sexual conduct has fallen below the standards expected of me as a priest, archbishop and cardinal,” O’Brien said.

“I have valued the opportunity of serving the people of Scotland and overseas in various ways since becoming a priest. Looking back over my years of ministry, for any good I have been able to do, I thank God. For any failures, I apologise to all whom I have offended.”