Tributes have been paid to Philip Tartaglia, the Archbishop of Glasgow, after his death at the age of 70.
He had served as archbishop since 2012 and was one of the most senior figures in the Catholic Church in Scotland.
A statement from the Archdiocese of Glasgow said that he had tested positive for Covid-19 shortly after Christmas and was self-isolating at home.
The Catholic Church in Scotland said the cause of death is not yet clear.
His death on January 13 coincided with the Feast of St Mungo, the Patron Saint of Glasgow.
It is with the greatest sorrow that we announce the death of our Archbishop Philip. He died suddenly at his home in Glasgow, this morning, the feast of St Mungo. He was 70 years old. Requiescat in pace
Full statement https://t.co/RWSke3m31c pic.twitter.com/puDC1YScpM— Archdiocese of Glasgow (@ArchdiocGlasgow) January 13, 2021
The statement read: “It is with the greatest sorrow that we announce the death of our Archbishop.
“The Archbishop of Glasgow, Philip Tartaglia, has died suddenly at his home in Glasgow. He was 70 years old.
“Archbishop Tartaglia, who had served as Archbishop of Glasgow since 2012, had tested positive for Covid-19 shortly after Christmas and was self-isolating at home. The cause of death is not yet clear.
“The Archbishop had served as leader of Scotland’s largest Catholic community since 2012.
“The Pope’s Ambassador to Great Britain, Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti has been informed.
“It will be for Pope Francis to appoint a new Archbishop to succeed Archbishop Tartaglia, but until then the Archdiocese will be overseen by an administrator.
“Please pray for the repose of the soul of Archbishop Philip, for his family and friends and people of the Archdiocese.”
Tartaglia was born in Glasgow in 1951, and was ordained as a priest in Dennistoun in 1975.
In September 2005, Pope Benedict XVI nominated him as Bishop of Paisley, before being appointed Archbishop of Glasgow in July 2012.
Nicola Sturgeon was among those paying tribute on social media.
I am very sorry to hear this news. Archbishop Tartaglia was a fine man who was much loved within the Catholic community and beyond. I always valued my interactions with him and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his loved ones & wider community. May he rest in peace. https://t.co/VehEdTiKbB
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) January 13, 2021
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf tweeted: “Deeply saddened to hear news of passing of Archbishop Tartaglia. 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 & staff. Prayers with our Catholic community.”
Terribly sorry to hear this news. I always valued my discussions with Archbishop Tartaglia. A graceful leader of his people. May he Rest in Peace. https://t.co/8k2dcSepM4
— John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) January 13, 2021
Brendan O’Hara MP said: “So sorry to hear this dreadfully sad news. I grew up in Dennistoun with the wonderful Tartaglia family in the 1960s and 70s and my thoughts and prayers are with them. Requiescat in pace Philip.”
Labour MSP Anas Sarwar tweeted: “So sorry to hear about the death of the Archbishop of Glasgow, Philip Tartaglia. Condolences to his friends, family and congregation. Rest in peace.”
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