Image
© Thomas Coex, AFP/Getty ImagesCardinal Keith O'Brien is shown in 2005. O'Brien was quoted Sunday as saying there had been times "that my sexual conduct has fallen below the standards expected of me as a priest, archbishop and cardinal."
Scottish Cardinal Keith O'Brien, who had contested accusations of sexual impropriety in February, on Sunday acknowledged that "there have been times that my sexual conduct has fallen below the standards expected of me."

O'Brien decided not to attend the March conclave after media reports that three priests and one former priest had accused him of inappropriate sexual behavior when he was a seminary rector in the 1980s.

O'Brien issued a statement Sunday saying he had contested early allegations made against him because of their "anonymous and non-specific nature." But on Sunday he apolgized for his behavior.

"I wish to take this opportunity to admit that there have been times that my sexual conduct has fallen below the standards expected of me as a priest, archbishop and cardinal," his statement says. "To those I have offended, I apologize and ask forgiveness. To the Catholic Church and people of Scotland, I also apologize. I will now spend the rest of my life in retirement. I will play no further part in the public life of the Catholic Church in Scotland."