The selection of a new Pope is about to take place the same way that Benedict XVI’s reign is ending:  Under the dark cloud of scandal.  Scottish Cardinal Keith O’Brien is quitting and pulling out of the Vatican Conclave amid reports he acted inappropriately with Catholic priests under him.

The published reports do not detail what O’Brien allegedly did with the priests, or even the priests’ identities.  But the revelations were apparently enough that He announced he would not join the other Cardinals in selecting a successor to Benedict.  He says he doesn’t want to be the focus of media attention during such an important time.

O’Brien also says that in November, the Pope accepted his resignation as Archbishop of Edinburgh and St. Andrews, effective in March when O’Brien turns 75.