Bishop Richard Moth appointed Archbishop of Westminster

Archbishop-elect Moth takes over from Cardinal Vincent Nichols who retires at the age of 80. Cardinal Nichols was installed as Archbishop of Westminster on 21 May 2009 and created Cardinal Priest by Pope Francis in February 2014.

Throughout his time as Archbishop of Westminster, he has spoken out about issues of poverty and injustice, welcoming Pope Francis’ emphasis on the Church being a Church of and for the poor. Cardinal Nichols has continuously called for peace and worked against human trafficking and slavery.

Who is Archbishop-elect Richard Moth?

Born in Zambia, Archbishop-elect Richard Moth was brought up in Kent and was ordained for the Archdiocese of Southwark in 1982. He served as Bishop of the Armed Forces from 2009 before becoming Bishop of Arundel and Brighton in 2015.

As the Chair of the Department of Social Justice for the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, he has consistently spoken out on issues of justice, both at home and overseas. As the liaison Bishop for prisons, he addressed prisoners in his pastoral letter for the Jubilee of Prisoners this Advent, focusing on the gift of hope. His focus on the love of Jesus which is always there for us was also reflected in his words about Pope Leo XIV’s first exhortation, Dilexi Te:

“I echo Pope Leo when he writes ‘Charity has the power to change reality; it is a genuine force for change in history.’ Catholic charities, such as CAFOD and those under the umbrella of the Caritas Social Action Network in England and Wales, have long exercised a preferential option for the poor. As many countries continue to face acute poverty, and with a continuing cost-of-living crisis domestically, this exhortation is a timely reminder to renew our efforts to stand in solidarity, in word and deed, with the poor and marginalised.”

Words of welcome for Archbishop-elect Moth

Reacting to the news, Christine Allen, Director of CAFOD, said:

“We’d like to congratulate Bishop Richard Moth on his appointment as the new Archbishop of Westminster. It coincides with the closing chapters of the Catholic Jubilee, a time of profound faith renewal and a recommitment to building a just world.

“His emphasis on the virtue of justice as a means of maintaining right relationships with God and one another is one which is needed to ensure our society is one based on love not hate.

“We would also like to take this time to thanks Cardinal Vincent Nichols for all his work and support to CAFOD. His voice, especially speaking up for refugees and migrants, has been very important. We wish him the very best for the future.”

Cardinal Vincent Nichols also welcomed the news, saying,

“I am delighted at this news. Archbishop-elect Richard will bring to our Diocese many gifts and considerable episcopal experience from his years of ministry in the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton, and before that as Bishop of the Forces…

“I remember being present in Westminster Cathedral on 29 September 2009 for the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Richard as Bishop of the Forces. So today I can say: ‘Welcome back, dear Bishop Richard. You are most welcome indeed.'”

Having heard of his appointment, Archbishop-elect Moth said:

“I am moved greatly by the trust that Pope Leo has placed in me, in appointing me to the Diocese of Westminster.… I look forward to continuing the great adventure that is the life of the Church and witness to the Gospel.”

Archbishop-elect Moth will be installed at Westminster Cathedral on 14 February 2026.