Pope Benedict XVI has named Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow as Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of St. Andrews and Edinburgh. Archbishop Tartaglia’s appointment comes on the heels of Cardinal Keith O’Brien’s resignation, which the Holy Father accepted on Monday.
In a message to the Archdiocese, Archbishop Tartaglia acknowledge the difficult time that the Archdiocese has faced in this period. Cardinal O’Brien has been accused of alleged acts of impropriety.
Although many in the media claimed that his resignation was accepted in the wake of the allegations, Fr. Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office, confirmed on Monday that Cardinal O’Brien had tendered his resignation in November of last year, prior to reaching his 75th birthday.
“These are painful and distressing times for this venerable Archdiocese. You have lost your Cardinal Archbishop in the most difficult of circumstances. I am so sorry for everyone involved and I assure them of my prayers. I too feel pained and distressed.” Archbishop Tartaglia said.
“The people of the Archdiocese are having to bear the impact of these sad events as you go about your daily lives in your communities and at work. You have to cope with disturbing media reports and you have to face the questions, the critical comments, the unkind remarks and the jibes.”
Archbishop Tartaglia assured the faithful of the Archdiocese that he, along with the clergy of St. Andrews and Edinburgh were united with them during this time, inviting them to look upon Christ “who alone is our Saviour, our Good Shepherd and our Consoler.”
“With the grace of God, I will do my very best to oversee and govern the Archdiocese until the appointment of a new Archbishop,” he said.
