The disgrace of Britain’s most senior Roman Catholic was complete last night as Cardinal Keith O’Brien admitted to sexual misconduct. In a shock statement, Cardinal O’Brien effectively admitted that allegations that he made homosexual approaches to young trainee priests were true. Until a week ago Cardinal O’Brien, 74, had been preparing to help choose the next Pope. But last night he admitted his ‘sexual conduct’ had ‘fallen below the standards expected of me as a priest, archbishop and cardinal’. He said sorry and added that he was retiring from public life. The former archbishop will face a Vatican investigation into his behaviour and could be subjected to further punishment if evidence of wrongdoing is found.
@highlight
The cleric apologised to those he has 'offended' and asked for forgiveness
@highlight
He said he is retiring and will play 'no further part' in the Catholic Church
@highlight
Cardinal O'Brien is accused of 'inappropriate' behaviour by four men
@highlight
Vatican set to launch investigation into allegations made against him
@highlight
The 74-year-old had resigned as Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh
@highlight
Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor says the church has been on a 'learning curve'
Following news of the sex scandal over the weekend, the @placeholder gave