The Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales has appointed Bishop Richard Moth as the new Archbishop of Westminster. This announcement comes from Pope Leo, who has chosen Moth to succeed Cardinal Vincent Nichols. Moth, aged 67, will lead a community of approximately 6 million Catholics across England and Wales.
Moth has served as the bishop of Arundel and Brighton since 2015. In his first public statement following the appointment, he expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by the Pope. “I am moved greatly by the trust that Pope Leo has placed in me, in appointing me to the diocese of Westminster,” he stated. Moth emphasized his intention to connect with the priests and parishioners of Westminster, noting, “With them, and building on the firm foundations that have been laid by so many down the years, I look forward to continuing the great adventure that is the life of the church and witness to the gospel.”
Cardinal Nichols, who is now 80 years old, has served the diocese with dedication and will be missed. He had offered to resign at the age of 75 but was requested by the late Pope Francis to remain in his position. Nichols participated in the recent conclave to elect a new pope and expressed his support for Moth’s appointment. “Welcome back, dear Bishop Richard. You are most welcome indeed,” he remarked, recalling Moth’s ordination as bishop of the Forces on September 29, 2009.
Moth’s background includes significant involvement in social issues. He has publicly addressed the topic of assisted dying, urging clergy and parishioners to engage with their local MPs to voice concerns against proposed legislation. He has also called for empathy towards refugees, reminding the faithful that Jesus’s family fled to Egypt in search of safety.
In addition to his pastoral duties, Moth has played a key role in advancing social justice within the Catholic community in the UK. He has notably welcomed the removal of the two-child benefit cap, emphasizing the importance of social support for families. His previous role as bishop of the Forces lasted six years before he transitioned to the position in Arundel and Brighton.
Moth’s extensive experience includes serving as the chair of governors at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, and as the liaison bishop for prisons. He has been an oblate of Pluscarden Abbey, a community of Catholic Benedictine monks in Scotland, for over 40 years. Additionally, he is a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
The formal installation of Bishop Moth as Archbishop of Westminster is scheduled for February 14, 2024, at Westminster Cathedral, marking a significant moment for the Catholic community in England and Wales.
