Vatican watchers say Cardinal Keith O'Brien's resignation amid allegations of inappropriate behavior is a "bombshell' for the Catholic Church.
A day after Britain's top Catholic official denied allegations he behaved "inappropriately" with other priests --- Cardinal Keith O'Brien is resigning his post.
The 74-year-old priest cited health reasons for his decision.
Vatican watchers like Sarah De Nordwall of Catholic Voices say they're stunned by the announcement.
[Sarah De Nordwall, Catholic Voices]:
"After all the cardinal has been such a strongly outspoken advocate for the rights of the unborn, and it's just a shame that someone with so much transparency around important issues hasn't really been very transparent about himself
Paddy Agnew of the Irish Times.
[Paddy Agnew, Vatican Correspondent for The Irish Times]:
"It would be a huge surprise at any time, coming on the eve of the conclave, it's a bombshell because this is a guy who, as far as we know, until three hours ago, was going to be one of the people to elect the successor to Benedict XVI.
While O'Brien is still allowed to participate in the conclave, he says he won't be heading to Rome.
Papal biographer Marco Politi says the O'Brien news points to a shift in the church.
[Marco Politi, Papal Biographer]:
"The first one who started the domino effect was Pope Benedict with his resignation. And certainly he has began during his papacy a move towards cleanness and transparency in sex abuse scandals."
More than 100 Cardinals are due to arrive in Rome later this week when the Pope officially steps down.
For more news and videos visit ☛ http://ntdtv.org
Follow us on Twitter ☛ http://twitter.com/NTDTelevision
Add us on Facebook ☛ http://on.fb.me/s5KV2C
