British Cardinal Resigns Amidst Controversy

Cardinal Keith Patrick O'Brien is stepping down from his position as Archbishop in Edinburgh, Scotland due to some conflict, and won't be attending the ceremony to elect a new pope.

This move comes as a surprise, because never before has a person of this standing ever skipped a papal conclave. O'Brien's resignation is being accepted under the guidelines that he is of age to retire - he turns 75 on March 17, a common age for Bishops to retire.

The real reason for the quick move to retirement might have to do with three priests alleging that he acted inappropriately around them. The alleged behavior goes back to the 1980's and no details on the controversy was revealed.

This resignation comes just two weeks after Pope Benedict announced he is retiring due to health concerns.