Catholic Church "Dealth Serious Blow"

The credibility and moral authority of the Catholic Church in Scotland has been "dealt a serious blow", according to Archbishop Philip Tartaglia.

He spoke to a congregation after being appointed the temporary successor of Cardinal Keith O'Brien.

Cardinal O'Brien will now face a Vatican inquiry after he admitted that his "sexual conduct had fallen beneath standard" expected of him during his 50-year career.

At the mass in St Andrew's Cathedral in Glasgow he added: "This is a sad moment for the Church in our country.

"The events around Cardinal O'Brien, his resignation, his statement of yesterday, have left us all very sad for everyone involved and for the Church.

"Many reproaches have been aimed at the Church and at individuals over this matter. The most stinging charge which has been levelled against us in this matter is hypocrisy, and for obvious reasons.

``I think there is little doubt that the credibility and moral authority of the Catholic Church in Scotland has been dealt a serious blow, and we will need to come to terms with that."