A gentle & caring pastor who had a piercing intellect
Churchman dies after Covid diagnosis
THE Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow, Philip Tartaglia, has died after contracting Covid-19.
The 70-year-old had served as archbishop since 2012 and was one of the most senior figures in the Catholic Church in Scotland.
He tested positive for coronavirus shortly after Christmas and was selfisolating at home.
The Church said the precise cause of death is not yet clear.
Bishop Hugh Gilbert, president of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said the archbishop was a “gentle and caring pastor who combined compassion with a piercing intellect”.
He said: “His losss to his family, his clergy andnd the people of the Archdiocese iocese of Glasgow willl be immeasurable butt for the entire Churchh in Scotland this is a day of immense loss and sadness.
“His contributionn to the work of the he Bishops’ Conference nce of Scotland over the he past 16 years was as significant and we will miss his wisdom m and wit very much.” .”
First Minister r
Nicola Sturgeon paid tribute to the archbishop.
Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, she said: “It has just been drawn to my attention that the Archbishop of Glasgow, Archbishop Tartaglia, has passed away this morning.
“I want to put on record my deep sadness at this news. I’m sure that is sadness shared by everybody across this chamber – and to send my deepest condolences to his loved ones and of course everybody in his community.”
Justice Secretar y Humza Yousaf said he was “deeply saddened” at the
news. He tweeted: “Have many fond memories of conversations we shared over years.
“He was a regular visitor to Catholic schools in my constituency. He spent time engaging with pupils and staff. Prayers with our Catholic community.”
Celtic FC said the archbishop was a “huge supporter of the club”, writing on Twitter that he regularly attended matches.
“Everyone at Celtic of fers their sincere condolences to Philip’s family and Scotland’s Catholic community at this sad time,” it added.
He died yesterday on January 13, the Feast of St Mungo – the patron saint of Glasgow.