Cardinal Keith O'Brien dies at 80 after fall
Cardinal Keith O'Brien was known as the country's most senior cleric
He had recently been injured in a fall and died in a Newcastle hospital.
Cardinal O’Brien resigned as Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh in 2013 after admitting sexual misconduct.
Confirmation of his death was announced by his successor, Archbishop Leo Cushley, who gave him the Last Rites on Friday.
He said: “At 1am on March 19, 2018, his eminence Keith Patrick Cardinal O’Brien, Archbishop Emeritus of St Andrews & Edinburgh, died at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Newcastle-upon-Tyne surrounded by family and friends and fortified by the rites of Holy Church. RIP.
“In life, Cardinal O’Brien may have divided opinion – in death, however, I think all can be united in praying for the repose of his soul, for comfort for his grieving family, and that support and solace be given to those whom he offended, hurt and let down. May he rest in peace.”