Monsignor Leo Cushley has been named as the new Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh.

He succeeds Cardinal Keith O'Brien, who resigned in March after admitting inappropriate behaviour towards several priests and seminarians.

The new Archbishop's ordination will take place in St Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh on 21 September.

At this time, he will assume the governance of the Archdiocese from Archbishop Philip Tartaglia who has been Apostolic Administrator since Cardinal O'Brien's resignation.

Mgr Cushley is current head of the English-language section of the Vatican's Secretariat of State, in which role he accompanied Pope Benedict XVI to English-speaking countries, including the UK in 2010.

Commenting on his appointment, Mgr Cushley said he was "humbled" but added that reconciliation and healing would be one of his priorities.

"I know it's a delicate moment and that there is a lot to be done, but with God's grace and the kind support of
the clergy and people of Edinburgh, I will work cheerfully and willingly with all the energy I can muster," he said.

"There are certain important questions that I will also have to familiarise myself with. I have no jurisdiction in the diocese until after I have been ordained in late September. Only then will I be able to take stock of what has happened and see what can be done.

"It is my sincere hope to do this always in truth and in charity, with a view to reconciliation and healing among the Catholics of Edinburgh.

"My first task is to preach the good news, Christ crucified and risen from the dead, to confirm my brother priests in their Catholic faith and ministry, and to be a loving, simple, wise shepherd to the flock that has been entrusted to me."