POPE Francis has expressed his "sorrow and solidarity" with the city ahead of the funeral mass of the Archbishop of Glasgow. 

The leader of the Catholic Church says he was "deeply saddened" to learn of the death of Philip Tartaglia and "offers his heartfelt condolences". 

Archbishop Tartaglia died suddenly at the age of 70 in his home last week while self-isolating following a positive Covid-19 test. However, the archdiocese said it was too early to determine the cause of death. 

Philip Tartaglia: Archbishop of Glasgow dies suddenly at home aged 70

He will be laid to rest in St Andrew's Cathedral today after a funeral mass service at 12pm. 

Pope Francis, in a message passed via Cardinal Pieto Parolin, said: "His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the untimely death of Archbishop Philip Tartaglia, and he offers heartfelt condolence and the assurance of his spiritual closeness to the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Glasgow.

Glasgow Times: Archbishop Philip Tartaglia passed away last week Archbishop Philip Tartaglia passed away last week

"With gratitude for the late Archbishop’s years of steadfast service to the building up of the Church in Scotland in obedience to the Gospel, in dedication to the works of the apostolate and in fidelity to the See of Peter, His Holiness willingly commends the soul of this much-loved pastor to the boundless mercy of Christ the Good Shepherd.

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"To all who mourn Archbishop Tartaglia’s passing in the sure hope of the Resurrection, the Holy Father cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of strength and peace in the Lord."

Glasgow Times: Archbishop Tartaglia's body arrived at St Andrew's yesterday with Archbishop Leo Cushley sharing a heartfelt moment with his coffin Archbishop Tartaglia's body arrived at St Andrew's yesterday with Archbishop Leo Cushley sharing a heartfelt moment with his coffin

Mourners have been urged to stay away from the city centre place of worship today as the Archbishop is laid to rest under strict Covid-19 restrictions. The ceremony will be streamed on the church's YouTube channel, however. 

As we previously reported, Monsignor Hugh Bradley, a parish priest in the South Side, will assume the role of administrator of the city's archdiocese until a permanent replacement for Philip Tartaglia is found. 

You can watch it here.