The Papal Nuncio was in Scotland as Pope Francis’ official representative for the COP26 Climate Summit.

Fr Michael Kane, Parish Priest of St Augustine’s and Chaplain to St Ambrose HS, provided the official welcome to Archbishop Gugerotti, at the Mass.

He said: “Coatbridge is the beating heart of the Catholic Church in Scotland and we are delighted to welcome you to the beautiful Church of St Augustine’s.

“Your presence here with us, as the ambassador of the Holy Father, reminds us of our faith, built upon that of St Peter, and Rome.”

This was a very special day for the community and for the Catholic schools, as representatives from the Coatbridge primary schools were also in attendance.

St Ambrose High School captains Matthew McQuade and Rachael Carlin were invited to address His Excellency and the congregation on behalf of the young people of Scotland.

They also met the Bishops of Scotland and many other dignitaries, having received an invitation from Fr Gerard Maguiness, General Secretary to the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, to attend the reception after the Mass in their school.

In addressing the congregation, Matthew said: “Your Excellency, we are absolutely delighted and privileged to be able to welcome you here to the beautiful Church of St Augustine’s, Coatbridge, as we gather to celebrate Mass on this most special occasion.

“Your visit to North Lanarkshire is a joyous and historic event and it was most pleasing to see all the flags this morning as we travelled from our school to the Church.”

Rachael highlighted the COP26 Climate Summit, adding: “As young people, we stand ready to come together as one, to address this crisis that threatens our world. Although these challenges are complex, we rely on our faith to guide us, and our communities, to walk with us.

“We pray that under the leadership and guidance of our Bishops, that our young people may flourish within their schools and parishes, to be the future ambassadors for our shared mission.”

Following the Mass, His Excellency, the Bishops of Scotland, Provost Jean Jones, Convener Frank McNally and other invited guests attended a special ceremony in St Ambrose High School.

Mr James McParland, Head Teacher, welcomed His Excellency to the school and spoke of the commitment of all within the school community to work for the common good, to address the dangers of Climate Change on our world