Roman Catholic Cardinal Keith O’Brien of Scotland is admitting to sexual misconduct with priests serving under him, saying in a statement, “my sexual conduct has fallen below the standards expected of me as a priest, archbishop and cardinal".

O’Brien had earlier pulled out of the Vatican conclave to choose a new Pope, and announced his retirement.  But he initially denied the allegations of sexual misconduct.

But in the statement released Sunday he admits, "In recent days certain allegations which have been made against me have become public. 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.

"To those I have offended, I apologise and ask forgiveness. To the Catholic Church and people of Scotland, I also apologise.

"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."

O’Brien was in the news last year when the Gay Rights group “Stonewall” labeled him “Bigot of the Year”.