HE grew up in a tenement in the East End of Glasgow ...

and now Philip Tartaglia is to return to the city as the new Archbishop of Glasgow.

As reported in later editions of last night's Evening Times, the Archbishop-elect has been named successor to Mario Conti, who is stepping down after 10 years.

Archbishop-elect Tartaglia said he had fond memories of growing up in Dennistoun and was looking forward to his new role in the city.

The former Bishop of Paisley said: "I have loved my diocese and it will always have a place in my heart, but I am honoured and humbled to be the Archbishop of my own native diocese and my own native city. That's amazing for me.

"I grew up in a close in Dennistoun and I have really wonderful memories of playing three-up and heid-the-ball there.

"We used to run about this area, near St Andrew's Cathedral, and it's wonderful to think I am now Archbishop here."

Archbishop Conti and Archbishop-elect Tartaglia will share the role until the new Archbishop is officially installed at a special mass on September 8.

Before becoming Bishop of Paisley, the 61-year-old worked as assistant priest at Our Lady of Lourdes in Cardonald and was a lecturer at St Peter's College in Newlands.

His first role as parish priest was at St Mary's, in Duntocher, and he became Bishop of Paisley in 2005.

He also spent years studying and training in Rome before returning to Scotland.

The announcement of his new role came at 11am yesterday morning to coincide with a simultaneous announcement made by the Vatican.

Archbishop Conti was with his successor as the announcement was made. He 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 have the greatest admiration for his leadership, intelligence and pastoral sensitivity. The archdiocese will be in very good hands."

Following the announcement, Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council, welcomed Archbishop-elect Tartaglia to his new role: "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.

"I would also like to pay tribute to Arch-bishop 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 undertakes. I am confident he will continue to play a full role in the life of the city."

Scotland's most senior Catholic, Cardinal Keith O'Brien, also paid tribute to the outgoing Archbishop.

He said: "He will be missed in his own archdiocese, and beyond.

"However, alert as always, I am sure 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 archdiocese of Glasgow is the largest of Scotland's eight dioceses with 95 parishes and 200,000 parishioners served by 203 priests.

catriona.stewart@ eveningtimes.co.uk