Resigned Scottish Cardinal Keith O?Brien has admitted that his "sexual conduct" has fallen below expected standards.At times 'my sexual conduct has fallen below the standards expected of me' he said in a statement issued tonight by the Catholic Church in Scotland.
Britain's most senior Catholic cleric, resigned last week. He denied allegations that he behaved inappropriately with priests over a period of 30 years, but said he was quitting the job of archbishop of Edinburgh.
Cardinal O'Brien said he plans to spend the rest of his life in retirement. The cardinal said he will play no further part in the public life of the Catholic Church in Scotland.
"In recent days certain allegations which have been made against me have become public," he said in a statement.
"Initially, their anonymous and non- specific nature led me to contest them. However, 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."
He said he apologised and asked forgiveness of those he has "offended."
He also said: "To the Catholic Church and people of Scotland, I also apologise".