New Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow

The Roman Catholic Bishop of Paisley Philip Tartaglia has been named by the Pope to succeed Most Rev Mario Conti as the Archbishop of Glasgow.

The Roman Catholic clergyman who clashed with the Scottish government over the issue of gay marriage has been elevated to Archbishop of Glasgow.

Commenting on the appointment, the new Archbishop-Elect Philip Tartaglia 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. He added: “I have loved my diocese. 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.”

The Archbishop-elect said: “I know I can only be a good bishop with help from above, so I ask everyone to pray for me.”

The present incumbent, Elgin-born Archbishop 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 President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, Archbishop Keith Patrick O’Brien, also offered his sincerest appreciation for the outgoing Archbishop Conti, saying: “He will indeed be missed in his own Archdiocese, and beyond. However, alert as always, I am sure that he will be available to add to any discussion about ways forward for the Catholic Church in Scotland and will continue to show himself as an ardent pastor in our country.”

Cardinal O’Brien added: “The successor appointed to Archbishop Conti – Bishop Philip Tartaglia, Bishop of Paisley – has greatly endeared himself to the priests and people of his own diocese and I am sure that while they deeply regret his move from Paisley, they will also be happy to know that he will be able to continue his heavy responsibilities in the larger Archdiocese.”

Archbishop-elect Tartaglia was born at Glasgow on the 11th January, 1951. He is the eldest son of Guido and Annita Tartaglia and has three brothers and five sisters. After his primary schooling at St. Thomas’, Riddrie, he began his secondary education at St. Mungo’s Academy, Glasgow, before moving to the national junior seminary at St. Vincent’s College, Langbank and, later, St. Mary’s College, Blairs, Aberdeen. His ecclesiastical studies were completed at the Pontifical Scots College, and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.

He was ordained Priest by Archbishop Thomas Winning in the Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Dennistoun on the 30th June 1975. He then returned to Rome where he completed his ordinary course of studies in 1976 before beginning his research for his Doctorate in Sacred Theology. In 1978 he was additionally appointed as Dean of Studies at the College in Rome, and was also acting Vice-Rector at that time.

On completing his Doctorate in 1980, on the Council of Trent’s teaching on the Eucharist, he was appointed assistant priest at Our Lady of Lourdes, Cardonald, while at the same time becoming visiting lecturer at St. Peter’s College, Newlands, Glasgow. He was appointed as Bishop of Paisley in 2005.

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. Following his retirement Archbishop Conti will have the title Archbishop Emeritus of Glasgow.

Christians Together, 24/07/2012