Philip Tartaglia, the former Bishop of Paisley, has been appointed the new Archbishop of Glasgow.
The 61-year-old succeeds Archbishop Mario Conti, who retired when he turned 75 in 2009, but was asked to stay on.
Archbishop Tartaglia said he was "honoured and humbled" by the appointment in his native city.
The new Archbishop-Elect said: "I am conscious of the historic place of the Archdiocese of Glasgow in the history of Christianity in Scotland and of its importance for the Catholic community in particular. It is a great honour for me to be appointed Archbishop of my native city and diocese."
Archbishop Conti said: "I am delighted that the Holy Father has appointed Bishop Philip as my successor.
"I have known him for more than 30 years and I have the greatest admiration for his gifts of leadership, intelligence, pastoral sensitivity and holiness. The Archdiocese will be in very good hands. I hope to remain of service to the people of the Archdiocese and I will place myself at the service of my successor to assist in whatever way he may wish in the life of the Church in Glasgow."
Scotland's most senior Catholic, Cardinal Keith O'Brien, paid tribute to the outgoing Archbishop, saying: "He will indeed be missed in his own archdiocese, and beyond."
"However, alert as always, I am sure that he will be available to add to any discussion about ways forward for the Catholic Church in Scotland and will continue to show himself as an ardent pastor in our country.
"The successor appointed to Archbishop Conti - Bishop Philip Tartaglia, Bishop of Paisley - has greatly endeared himself to the priests and people of his own diocese and I am sure that while they deeply regret his move from Paisley, they will also be happy to know that he will be able to continue his heavy responsibilities in the larger archdiocese."
Philip Tartaglia was ordained a priest in 1975 by Archbishop Thomas Winning. He has served in parishes in Cardonald, Dumbarton and Duntocher and has been rector of the Scots College in Rome and rector of Chesters College in Bearsden.
He was nominated as Bishop of Paisley in 2005 by Pope Benedict XIV and was ordained as Bishop by Archbishop Mario Conti.
Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "I warmly welcome the appointment by Pope Benedict XVI of Bishop Philip Tartaglia as the new Archbishop of Glasgow.
"I look forward to working closely with him in the years ahead.
"I know that he will be constantly supported by the Catholic community of Glasgow as he fulfils his heavy responsibilities, and will benefit too from the co-operation of all people of goodwill in the city.
"I would also like to pay tribute to Archbishop Mario Conti who has been an exemplar pastor and churchman who has served this city with great distinction.
"I wish him every health and happiness in retirement and success in whatever endeavours he chooses to undertake. I am confident that he will continue to play a full role in the life of the city."
The new Archbishop will take up his role from September.
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