The Vatican has announced the appointment of Richard Moth as the new Archbishop of Westminster, making him the leader of the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
He succeeds Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who has stepped down at the age of 80 after serving in the role since 2009.
Archbishop Moth has spent the past decade as Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, having earlier served as Bishop of the Forces. In his new position, he will also become president of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, leading an estimated six million Catholics across the country.
Cardinal Nichols reached the retirement age of 75 several years ago but remained in office at the request of Pope Francis. He later took part in the conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV.
The process to appoint his successor was led by the Apostolic Nuncio to the UK, who submitted a shortlist of candidates to the Pope. Known for his strong stance on social justice, Archbishop Moth has spoken frequently on issues including migration, welfare policy and prison reform.
Earlier this week, he joined other church leaders in urging compassion for refugees, drawing parallels with the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt. He has also expressed concern about the use of Christian symbols by far-right groups to promote division.
Speaking at a news conference, Cardinal Nichols described his successor as a man of “experience and practical wisdom”. Archbishop Moth said his immediate priority would be to meet clergy, parishioners and schools across the Westminster diocese.
He takes office at a challenging time, with declining church attendance in many areas, ongoing safeguarding concerns, and rising social pressures linked to the cost-of-living crisis, an area in which the Catholic Church remains heavily involved in providing support.
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