Britain's most senior Roman Catholic cleric resigns

Cardinal Keith O'Brien is seen speaking to the media outside St.Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland in this May 31, 2007 file photograph. Credit: Reuters/David Moir/Files

(Reuters) - Britain's most senior Roman Catholic cleric resigned on Monday the day after he rejected allegations that he had behaved in an "inappropriate" way with other priests.

"The Holy Father has now decided that my resignation will take effect today, 25 February 2013," Cardinal Keith O'Brien, who had been expected to take part in the conclave to choose the next pope, said in a statement.