Scottish Catholic Observer

Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow (above) as Apostolic administrator of St Andrews and Edinburgh Archdiocese. With immediate effect, Archbishop Tartaglia will lead St Andrews and Edinburgh until a new archbishop is appointed.

The Holy Father, who steps down tomorrow, accepted Cardinal Keith O’Brien’s resignation as Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh on Monday, just before his 75th birthday.

The announcement came after three priests in St Andrews and Edinburgh sent a complaint about His Eminence to the Apostolic Nuncio to the United Kingdom. Cardinal O’Brien contests their allegations.

Archbishop Tartaglia, who is president of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said it was a difficult time for the Church but he would do his best for St Andrews and Edinburgh Archdiocese.

“These are painful and distressing times for the archdiocese, I also feel pained and distressed,” Archbishop Tartaglia said. “With the grace of God, I will do my very best to oversee and govern the Archdiocese until the appointment of a new Archbishop. I ask for your prayers.”

Cardinal O’Brien is now the Archbishop Emeritus of St Andrews and Edinburgh. Bishop Stephen Robson will remain as auxiliary bishop and will assist Archbishop Tartaglia as his delegate in the running of the diocese.

Archbishop Tartaglia remains Archbishop of Glasgow while taking on the role of Apostolic administrator in St Andrews and Edinburgh.