Mourners urged to stay at home during Archbishop's funeral

The funeral of the head of the Catholic Church in Glasgow will be held this week.

Archbishop Philip Tartaglia’s death was announced last week. The 70-year-old had tested positive for coronavirus and was self-isolating at home.

However, a spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Glasgow said the cause of his death was not clear.

Archbishop Tartaglia’s body will be brought to Glasgow’s Catholic Cathedral, St Andrew’s, in the city centre, on Wednesday evening ahead of his funeral on Thursday.

Under current coronavirus restrictions, only 20 of the Archbishop’s family and friends will be able to attend.

A spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Glasgow said: “People are asked to comply with the current advice to stay at home and to participate spiritually using the live streams.

“Please continue your prayers for the repose of the Archbishop’s soul and for the comfort of his family.”

On Wednesday at 6.30pm, a vigil will be held and the Archbishop’s funeral mass will take place on Thursday at 12pm.

Archbishop Tartaglia was a lifelong Celtic fan and the club paid tribute to him on Twitter, writing: “We are saddened to hear of the death of Archbishop Philip Tartaglia who was a huge supporter of the club and regularly attended matches at Celtic Park.

“Everyone at Celtic offers their sincere condolences to Philip’s family and Scotland’s Catholic community at this sad time.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon paid tribute to the Archbishop who she said was “a fine man who was much loved within the Catholic community and beyond”.

She said: “I always valued my interactions with him and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his loved ones and wider community. May he rest in peace.”