Archbishop Tartaglia in hospital after heart attack

Archbishop Philip Tartaglia was in Salamanca for the annual winter meeting of Scots bishops. Picture: Jane Barlow

The Archbishop of Glasgow, Philip Tartaglia, was being treated at a hospital in the city of Salamanca in north-west Spain after he took ill while attending an annual gathering with other Scottish bishops.

He underwent what has been described as a “minor medical procedure” yesterday but it is hoped he will make a full recovery.

It is understood that the archbishop became concerned about his health after feeling unwell and asked to be taken to hospital on Thursday.

Following initial treatment and tests at the hospital, it was confirmed he had suffered a heart attack.

However, the 64-year-old’s spokesman said yesterday the archbishop was conscious and “in good spirits” at the city’s University Hospital and is expected to leave hospital in a few days.

Leo Cushley, the Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, was among those to say prayers for Archbishop Tartaglia as he continues to recover.

Writing on Twitter, Archbishop Cushley said: “Please pray for Archbishop Tartaglia’s health as he undergoes tests following a heart attack. Our Lady, Health of the Sick, pray for him.”

The archbishop’s spokesman said: “After tests and a minor medical procedure today it is hoped that Archbishop Tartaglia will be able to leave hospital in a few days and return to Scotland as soon as is possible.

“The archbishop today is conscious and in good spirits and has been visited by other Scots bishops attending the meeting.

“Further medical updates will be released if any change in the archbishop’s condition takes place.”

In a statement, the Archdiocese of Glasgow said Archbishop Tartaglia “took unwell” on Thursday night. It said that “it is likely he will have to stay in hospital for a while, delaying his return to the archdiocese,” adding: “Please remember the archbishop in your prayers.”

The Scottish Catholic Observer asked its readers to pray for the archbishop, saying it was “good news” that he was expected to leave hospital in the coming days.

On Twitter, the British Embassy to the Holy See posted: “We send our best wishes to Archbishop Tartaglia who is recovering from a heart attack. We hope he can return home soon.”

The Scottish bishops are attending an “in-service” week at the Scots College in Salamanca.

Catholic parishes in the archdiocese of Glasgow have been informed of the archbishop’s illness and special prayers will be said this weekend for his recovery.

Archbishop Tartaglia, president of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, has been Archbishop of Glasgow since 2013, having been the Bishop of Paisley since 2005.

He became the eighth person to hold the office, succeeding Archbishop Mario Conti.