Cardinal Keith O'Brien, the top Catholic official in Britain, confirmed Monday that he is to step down immediately, a day after publication of reports of "inappropriate" behaviour in his relations with priests working for him.
O'Brien said he tendered his resignation some time ago, but added: "The Holy Father has now decided that my resignation will take effect today."
According to a statement by the Scottish Catholic Church, the resignation was accepted on February 18, but only announced on Monday. He also stated that he would not be joining the conclave to choose a successor to Pope Benedict XVI.
"I do not wish media attention in Rome to be focused on me - but rather on Pope Benedict XVI and on his successor."
In a statement issued by the Scottish Catholic Church, he said: "Looking back over my years of ministry: For any good I have been able to do, I thank God. For any failures, I apologize to all whom I have offended."
An outspoken critic of gay rights, he is alleged to have made unwelcome advances against priests reporting to him.
A report Sunday by the British weekly the Observer alleges that three priests and one former priest have filed complaints against O'Brien with Nuncio Antonio Mennini, the Vatican's ambassador to Britain, and called for O'Brien to be forced to resign. A spokesman for the 74-year-old cardinal told the paper that the charges were disputed.
In each case, the four men said that O'Brien made unwelcome advances against them after one-on-one encounters for prayers, social meetings or personal counseling. In at least one case, it was alleged, O'Brien tried to engineer a second meeting.
The allegations date back to the 1980s, before the archbishop had been elevated to become a cardinal, which came in 2003.
Before the scandal broke, O'Brien had been expected to resign upon his 75th birthday, on March 17.