Glasgow's new Archbishop named

Jul 24 2012

A Catholic bishop who has voiced his opposition to proposals to legalise same-sex marriage has been named as the new Archbishop of Glasgow.

Philip Tartaglia, 61, who is the existing Bishop of Paisley, was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI on Tuesday. He will take over from Archbishop Mario Conti, who is retiring after 10 years in the post.

He has recently come to the fore over the same-sex marriage debate, clashing with the Scottish Government over its proposals to allow gay couples to marry in religious ceremonies.

He previously sent a strongly worded submission to the First Minister and said governments "do not have the authority to say what marriage is or to change its nature or to decree that people of the same sex can marry".

The new Archbishop-Elect, who will take up the post on September 8, said: "I am conscious of the historic place of the archdiocese of Glasgow in the history of Christianity in Scotland and of its importance for the Catholic community in particular. It is a great honour for me to be appointed Archbishop of my native city and diocese."

Bishop Tartaglia said he had been "very happy and fulfilled" as Bishop of Paisley, where he has served since late 2005. "I have loved my diocese," he said.

"The priests and people of the diocese of Paisley will always be in my heart. And I would want to serve the archdiocese of Glasgow with the same affection and devotion. I know I can only be a good bishop with help from above, so I ask everyone to pray for me."

Archbishop Mario Conti said: "I am delighted that the Holy Father has appointed Bishop Philip as my successor. I have known him for more than 30 years and I have the greatest admiration for his gifts of leadership, intelligence and pastoral sensitivity. The archdiocese will be in very good hands.

"I hope to remain of service to the people of the archdiocese and I will place myself at the service of my successor to assist him in whatever way he may wish in the life of the Church in Glasgow."

The archdiocese of Glasgow is the largest of Scotland's eight dioceses with an estimated Catholic population of 200,000. It comprises 95 parishes and is served by 203 priests.