TALKS are taking place about a possible visit by Pope Francis to Glasgow next year.

Archbishop Philip Tartaglia has written to the church leader asking him to make a pastoral visit for the 400th anniversary of the death of St John Ogilvie.

Catholic sources in Glasgow said the letter was sent in April and the fact that a reply had not yet been received could indicate a decision will be favourable.

Events are planned in the city to mark the feast day of St John Ogilvie, a priest hanged on March 10 1615 for converting Prot-estants to Catholicism.

In April, Nigel Baker, The British Ambassador to the Holy See, was asked during a visit to St Aloy-sius school if a visit to Glasgow was on the cards to coincide with the date.

Mr Baker said he had already been involved in discussions and said he would be happy to facilitate a possible visit.

Glasgow has previously hosted papal visits by John Paul II in 1982 and Benedict XVI in 2010 - a visit that netted around £4.25million for the city.

Pope Francis sent a message expressing his "closeness" to the people of Glasgow after the Clutha helicopter tragedy which claimed 10 lives.

Although visits are usually planned several years in advance, Pope Francis has made similar short visits in Italy.

Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "It would be wonderful for Glasgow if Pope Francis were able to accept the invitation to visit our city in 2015."

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk