THE Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow Philip Tartaglia has died after contracting Covid-19.
The 70-year-old had served as Archbishop of Glasgow since 2012.
He tested positive for coronavirus shortly after Christmas and was self-isolating at home.
The Catholic Church in Scotland said the cause of death is not yet clear.
He had served as leader of Glasgow Archdiocese, Scotland’s largest Catholic community, since 2012.
Archbishop Tartaglia was previously the Bishop of Paisley. He died on January 13, the Feast of St Mungo – the patron saint of Glasgow.
Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, the Pope’s Ambassador to Great Britain, has been informed of the death.
A spokesman for the Church said the Archdiocese will be overseen by an administrator until the Pope appoints a successor.
The First Minister paid tribute to Archbishop Tartaglia during FMQs this afternoon.
She said she wanted to put on record her “deep sadness at the news”, adding: “I’m sure that is sadness that will be shared by everybody across this Chamber.”
She sent her “deepest condolences to his loved ones and of course everybody in his community”.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said he was “deeply saddened” at the news.
He wrote online: “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.”
SNP MP Amy Callaghan also paid her tributes on Twitter, adding: "Desperately sad to learn of the passing of Bishop Tartaglia. A gem of a man who always prioritised others over himself. He’ll be missed."
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