Archbishop of Glasgow Hopes Appointment of Pope Francis Will Heal Troubled Catholic Church in Scotland

Daily Record
March 14, 2013

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/archbishop-philip-tartaglia-hopes-appointment-1762344

Bishop Philip Tartaglia

THE new Pope could be the man to heal the troubled Catholic Church, a senior Scots churchman predicted last night.

Archbishop of Glasgow Philip Tartaglia said Pope Francis’s body language as he appeared on the Vatican balcony gave an insight into his character.

He said: “I think we can take from his first appearance that he is a humble, spiritual and calm man.

“A reconciler and healer, with a strong background on social justice. His name reminds us of the little saint of Assisi.

“A simple man who was the poor servant of Jesus and who was given the message, ‘Rebuild my Church.’

“It is a very significant message for our time.

“He may also have in mind St Francis Xavier the great missionary and a reminder of the need for a new evangelisation.”

Archbishop Tartaglia, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said he was surprised by the speed of events.

And he added: “Given the pre-Conclave situation, and the absence of a single dominant figure, I can only see this quick result as God’s work.”

Gallery: Pope Francis on the rise from priest to Pontiff

The election was also welcomed by leading figures outside the Church.

Alex Salmond, who met the previous Pope on his 2010 visit to Scotland, said: “His first message – urging greater bonds of understanding and cooperation among peoples and nations – is one that should resonate around the globe.”

Patricia Chale, director of the Scottish International Aid Fund, said: “All of us at the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund are delighted by the election of Cardinal Bergoglio.

“He is known as a true advocate of the poor and for inspiring others in undertaking works of charity.”

Respected Catholic commentator Professor Patrick Reilly said the new Pope had been a dark horse in the race.

He added: “It is good that it is away from Europe as the Europeans have dominated it for too long.”

Reilly, emeritus professor of English language and literature at Glasgow University, hopes the election will signal a change in the way the Catholic Church deals with scandal. He said: “What must be done in future is that any hint of sexual or financial impropriety must be immediately investigated.

“In the case of sexual impropriety, the Church must immediately inform the civil authorities and not try to keep it to themselves.

“I hope it will signal a period of reform.”

His comments come after the shock resignation of Cardinal Keith O’Brien earlier this month and his admission that he was guilty of sexual misconduct.

The election of Pope Francis was also welcomed by world political leaders.

US president Barack Obama said: “As a champion of the poor and the most vulnerable among us, he carries forth the message of love and compassion that has inspired the world for more than 2000 years that in each other we see the face of God.”

UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon said: “We share many common goals – from the promotion of peace, social justice and

human rights, to the eradication of poverty and hunger - all core elements of sustainable development.”