Disgraced Cardinal O'Brien Resigns
Disgraced Cardinal Keith O'Brien has again apologised for his "sexual conduct'' after formally resigning from his role in a meeting with Pope Francis.
Cardinal O'Brien stepped down from the archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh in February 2013 after three priests and a former priest made allegations of inappropriate behaviour against him.
He issued an apology at the time, saying ''there have been times that my sexual conduct has fallen below the standards expected of me''.
He left Scotland and said he would play no further part in the public life of the Catholic Church in the country.
He will retain the title of cardinal, the church said, but has now been formally stripped of the rights and duties'' of the role after an investigation.
He said today: "I wish to repeat the apology which I made to the Catholic Church and the people of Scotland some two years ago now on March 3 2013.
"I then said that there have been times that my sexual conduct has fallen below the standards expected of me. For that, I am deeply sorry.
"I thank Pope Francis for his fatherly care of me and of those I have offended in any way.
"I will continue to play no part in the public life of the Church in Scotland; and will dedicate the rest of my life in retirement praying, especially for the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh, for Scotland, and for those I have offended in any way.''