Pope Leo has selected a new spiritual leader for Catholics in England and Wales, appointing Bishop Richard Moth as the 12th Archbishop of Westminster. This significant move sees Bishop Moth, currently the Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, take over from the retiring Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who has led the diocese since 2009.
A New Chapter for Westminster
The Vatican confirmed the appointment on Friday, 19 December 2025. Archbishop-elect Moth's official installation ceremony will be held at Westminster Cathedral on 14 February 2025. In a statement, the incoming Archbishop expressed being "moved greatly" by the trust Pope Leo had placed in him.
"As I prepare to move to the diocese, I am so grateful for the support being given to me by Cardinal Vincent Nichols at this time," Moth said. He praised the Cardinal's dedicated service, acknowledging he "will be missed greatly." Reflecting on his decade in Arundel and Brighton, Moth gave thanks for the blessings of sharing the Church's mission.
He outlined his immediate priority: "My first task will be to get to know the priests and people of Westminster and I look forward now to serving them." He aims to continue the "great adventure" of the Church's life, building on existing foundations.
Transition from Cardinal Nichols
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who is from Liverpool, turned 80 in November 2025. He had previously offered his resignation upon reaching the customary age of 75, but stated the late Pope Francis had asked him to remain in office at that time.
His tenure was not without controversy. A damning November 2020 report by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) found the Catholic Church had repeatedly failed to support victims while protecting alleged perpetrators. The report was critical of Cardinal Nichols, stating he "seemingly put the reputation of the church" above his duty to victims and showed "no acknowledgement of any personal responsibility." This led to calls for his resignation at the time.
When questioned in 2020 about his leadership following the report, Cardinal Nichols responded, "I do what I’m told. The Holy Father put me here and he tells me to stay here – that’s enough for me."
More recently, Cardinal Nichols took part in the conclave that elected Pope Leo following the death of Pope Francis. He described the new Pontiff as a gentle, calm, and decisive figure. In a statement welcoming his successor, Cardinal Nichols said he was "delighted" and that Bishop Moth would "bring to our diocese many gifts and considerable episcopal experience."
Profile of the New Archbishop
Bishop Richard Moth, born in Zambia in 1958 and raised in Kent, was ordained a priest in June 1982. Before his 2015 appointment to Arundel and Brighton, he served as the Catholic Bishop of the Forces from 2009 to 2015, ministering to military personnel.
His current roles include Chair of Governors at St Mary’s University in Twickenham and chairman of the Department for Social Justice of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. He also serves as the liaison bishop for prisons. In his personal time, he is said to enjoy horse riding and walking.
This appointment marks a pivotal moment for the Catholic community in England and Wales, as Archbishop-elect Moth prepares to lead the prominent Diocese of Westminster into its next chapter.
