New Leadership in the Diocese of Westminster
In a significant transition for the Catholic Church in England and Wales, Bishop Richard Moth has been appointed as the new Archbishop of Westminster. The diocese made the announcement that the 67-year-old will take over from Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who has been at the helm since 2009. Until Moth’s official installation on February 14, 2026, Nichols will continue to serve as Apostolic Administrator.
Currently serving as Bishop of Arundel and Brighton since 2015, Moth will soon take his place as the 12th Archbishop of Westminster. His new role will see him seated at Westminster Cathedral, the central church for Catholics across England and Wales.
Expressing his sentiments on the appointment, Moth stated, “I am moved greatly by the trust that Pope Leo has placed in me, in appointing me to the Diocese of Westminster.” He also acknowledged the support he has received from Nichols, describing his dedicated service to the diocese and expressing that he will be greatly missed.
Moth emphasized that his immediate focus would be on connecting with the priests and community of Westminster, aiming to enhance the legacy left by previous archbishops.
Cardinal Nichols expressed his approval of the appointment, highlighting Moth’s extensive experience and diverse skill set. “I look forward very much to his Installation as our new Archbishop on Saturday, 14 February 2026,” Nichols remarked, noting the significance of the date, which aligns with both St Valentine’s Day and the Feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius.
Moth’s connection to Westminster Cathedral dates back to 2009 when he was ordained as Bishop of the Forces. His ministry involved supporting British armed forces members and their families until his transition to Arundel six years later.
Nichols reminisced about Moth’s earlier ordination: “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.'”
Richard Moth was born in 1958 in Chingola, Zambia, and grew up in Kent. He was educated at The Judd School in Tonbridge before pursuing priesthood training at St John’s Seminary, Wonersh. His ordination as a priest took place in 1982 in the Archdiocese of Southwark.
His pastoral journey has been diverse, including parish duties in south London, canon law studies in Ottawa, and serving as a chaplain in the Territorial Army. Between 1992 and 2001, he was the private secretary to Archbishop Michael Bowen, subsequently becoming vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Southwark.
Beyond his diocesan responsibilities, Moth chairs the Department for Social Justice of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, is the liaison bishop for prisons, and serves as chair of governors at St Mary’s University, Twickenham. Additionally, he is a member of the conference’s standing committee.
Established in 1850, the Diocese of Westminster recently celebrated its 175th anniversary and is recognized for its culturally rich Catholic community.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
