Monsignor Leo Cushley unveiled as new archbishop

Stephen McGinty
The Scotsman
July 24, 2013

MONSIGNOR Leo Cushley has been named new Archbishop of St Andrews & Edinburgh, replacing Cardinal Keith O’Brien who resigned in disgrace after admitting inappropriate behaviour with a number of priests.

Monsignor Cushley, a priest from the Motherwell diocese, is currently working in the Vatican with its secretariat of state, the Vatican’s foreign office.

..........

Cushley is believed to have been chosen on account of his “outsider” status and skills in diplomacy and conflict resolution, following service in troublespots during the civil wars in Burundi and Rwanda. He is also known to be a trusted aide and confidante of Pope Francis.

The new Archbishop will today deliver his first message to the Archdiocese which has been shocked by the scandal surrounding Cardinal O’Brien who was revealed to have had a number of inappropriate relationships with priests and seminarians.

The Cardinal’s behaviour was revealed in February and led to him pulling out of the conclave to elect the new Pope, the first time a cardinal had been unable to attend a conclave due to a personal scandal.

Cardinal O’Brien had attempted to return to the Archdiocese where he had previously planned to retire but was instead ordered to go on a penitential retreat and is currently thought to be in a monastry in Europe.

In a statement Mgr Cushley said: “I am humbled that our Holy Father Pope Francis has nominated me for such an important task here in our ancient capital. I know it’s a delicate moment and that there is a lot to be done, but with God’s grace and the kind support of the clergy and people of Edinburgh, I will work cheerfully and willingly with all the energy I can muster.”

........

Full story at the Scotsman