In a significant move for the Catholic Church in Britain, Pope Leo XIV has appointed a new leader for the faithful in England and Wales. The Vatican announced on Friday that Bishop Richard Moth will become the new Archbishop of Westminster, taking over from the retiring Cardinal Vincent Nichols.
A New Leader for English and Welsh Catholics
The 67-year-old bishop will formally assume his new role on February 14, ending Cardinal Nichols' 16-year tenure. Nichols, who turned 80 last month, led an estimated 3.8 million Catholics across the two nations. His time in office, however, was later marred by criticism following a damning 2020 report into historical child sex abuse within the church. The report found he had seemingly prioritised the institution's reputation over his duty to victims.
The appointment comes amidst a period of notable change orchestrated by Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff elected in May 2025. Just a day before the Westminster announcement, the Vatican revealed the Pope had accepted the resignation of New York's conservative Archbishop Timothy Dolan, replacing him with a pro-migrant bishop from Chicago, Ronald Hicks.
Moth's Vision and Background
At a London press conference, the archbishop-elect expressed his gratitude, saying he was "pinching myself" and felt "massively grateful" to the Pope. He described the current moment as an "interesting" one for the Catholic Church in the UK, which is the nation's second-largest Christian denomination.
Bishop Richard Moth addressed several pressing issues. On the heated UK immigration debate, he struck a conciliatory note, vowing to remind society that everyone has something to contribute. More critically, in the wake of the abuse scandal, he promised the church would remain "committed" to safeguarding, including offering survivors the opportunity to meet with him personally.
Born in Zambia in 1958 and raised in Kent, southeast England, Moth brings considerable experience. He served in senior roles in the Southwark diocese, was ordained Bishop of the Armed Forces in 2009, and has been the Bishop of Arundel and Brighton since 2015. An avid horseman and walker, he also chairs the church's social justice department and serves as the liaison bishop for prisons.
A Transition of Leadership
Outgoing Cardinal Vincent Nichols praised his successor as a man of "many gifts and considerable episcopal experience." The transition marks a new chapter for the Catholic community in England and Wales, as it navigates challenges of reputation, social justice, and its role in a changing society under the guidance of a new pontiff and a new local leader.
