Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Richard Moth as the new Archbishop of Westminster, the most senior Catholic position in England and Wales.
The Catholic Church announced the appointment on Friday.
Moth, who is 67, will formally assume the role on February 14. He will succeed Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who has led Catholics in England and Wales for 16 years.
Nichols Steps Down After Long Tenure
Cardinal Nichols turned 80 last month, the age at which senior Catholic bishops customarily retire.
His later years in office attracted criticism following a 2020 report on historic child sexual abuse within the Catholic Church.
The report said Nichols “seemingly put the reputation of the church” above the needs of victims.
It also stated that he showed “no acknowledgement of any personal responsibility to lead or influence change”.
Moth Reacts to Appointment
Speaking at a press conference in London alongside Nichols, Archbishop-elect Moth welcomed the appointment.
He said he was “pinching myself” and “massively grateful” to Pope Leo XIV.
“I think we’re at an interesting moment in the life of the church in this country,” he said.
Referring to reports of rising Catholic numbers in the UK, he added, “We do speak about a quiet revival. I would say I’m quietly cautious.”
Views on Immigration and Safeguarding
Asked about the ongoing immigration debate in the UK, Moth struck a conciliatory tone.
He said he would “continue to remind society that everybody, wherever they come from, has something that they contribute”.
On safeguarding, Moth said the Church remains committed to supporting abuse survivors.
“I certainly am, and certainly committed to offering that opportunity to survivors,” he said.
Background and Church Experience
Born in Zambia in 1958 and raised in Kent, Moth has held several senior roles within the Catholic Church.
He served in the Diocese of Southwark before becoming Bishop of the Armed Forces in 2009.
Since 2015, he has led the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton.
He also chairs the Church’s social justice department and serves as liaison bishop for prisons.
Cardinal Nichols praised Moth as someone of “many gifts and considerable episcopal experience”.
