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Pope accepts Cardinal Keith O'Brien's resignation

Salt + Light Media

Monday, February 25, 2013

File photo of Cardinal Keith O'Brien, who announced he will not participate in conclave
The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has accepted on the 18 February 2013 the
resignation of His Eminence Cardinal Keith Patrick O’Brien from the pastoral
governance of the Archdiocese of Saint Andrews and Edinburgh.   This
information will be announced and published in the Osservatore Romano of
Monday 25 February 2013.
The Cardinal had already presented last November his resignation in view of
his 75th birthday on 17 March 2013, and it was accepted by the Holy Father
with the formula 'nunc pro tunc' (now for later).   Given the imminent
Vacant See, the Holy Father has now decided to accept the said resignation
definitively.
Reacting to the acceptance of his resignation, Cardinal O'Brien said;
"Approaching the age of seventy-five and at times in indifferent health, I
tendered my resignation as Archbishop of Saint Andrews and Edinburgh to Pope
Benedict XVI some months ago.  I was happy to know that he accepted my
resignation Onunc pro tunc’ – (now – but to take effect later) on 13
November 2012.  The Holy Father has now decided that my resignation will
take effect today, 25 February 2013, and that he will appoint an Apostolic
Administrator to govern the Archdiocese in my place until my successor as
Archbishop is appointed.  In the meantime I will give every assistance to
the Apostolic Administrator and to our new Archbishop, once he is appointed,
as I prepare to move into retirement.
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
I thank Pope Benedict XVI for his kindness and courtesy to me and on my own
behalf and on behalf of the people of Scotland, I wish him a long and happy
retirement.  I also ask God’s blessing on my brother Cardinals who will soon
gather in Rome to elect his successor.  I will not join them for this
Conclave in person.  I do not wish media attention in Rome to be focused on
me – but rather on Pope Benedict XVI and on his Successor.  However, I will
pray with them and for them that, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, they will
make the correct choice for the future good of the Church.
May God who has blessed me so often in my ministry continue to bless and
help me in the years which remain for me on earth and may he shower his
blessings on all the peoples of Scotland especially those I was privileged
to serve in a special way in the Archdiocese of Saint Andrews and
Edinburgh."
---
(CNS Photo / Paul Haring)


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