The Joy of Schadenfreude

I’m sorry, but I cannot refrain from giving in to some feelings of schadenfreude at the news that Cardinal Keith O’Brien has resigned following accusations of acts of inappropriate behaviour.

This is the man who has consistently demonised us.

Good riddance.

Update 3 March 2013: O’Brien has now admitted, and apologised for, sexual misconduct. However, even in his statement it seems as though he wishes to offer his disingenuous version of the facts. His statement reads, in part:

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, the facts of the matter are that the allegations, by an ex-priest and four serving priests, were not anonymous and non-specific:

A narrative has begun to be embroidered on the cardinal’s magic mitre. A fairytale. He is named but his accusers are not, and therefore the accusations are invalid. Let us be clear about one thing: the three priests, and one former priest, who have made complaints are not anonymous. They have given sworn, signed statements to the papal nuncio.

…

The four complainants made their statements to the papal nuncio, Archbishop Mennini, around 8 or 9 February.

The Cardinal is either being utterly disingenuous, or he’s telling porkies.

Once again, with feeling: good riddance.