Richard Moth was officially installed as the 12th Archbishop of Westminster during a solemn mass at Westminster Cathedral in London on Saturday. The ceremony, attended by a congregation of 2,000 people, marked a significant transition in leadership for Roman Catholics across England and Wales.
Acknowledging Past Failures and Calling for Change
In his inaugural address, Archbishop Moth directly confronted the Catholic Church's historical shortcomings, particularly concerning the protection of vulnerable individuals. He stated, "Here, I am most aware of every occasion on which members of the church, or the church as a whole, have failed – most especially when the vulnerable have been abused."
Moth emphasized that such failures necessitate a profound commitment to listening and learning from those who have suffered. He insisted on creating safer communities where all individuals can encounter Christ and one another without fear.
Fragility of Evangelical Work
The new archbishop highlighted that the church's evangelical mission is inherently fragile and has been adversely impacted by past lapses in love, power, and self-control. He urged a renewed focus on these core values to strengthen the church's outreach and integrity.
Leadership Transition and Background
Archbishop Moth was appointed by Pope Leo XIV in December, succeeding Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who retired after serving for 16 years. Moth humorously noted that Nichols is now moving "to slightly more restful pastures."
Born in Zambia and raised in Kent, Moth previously served as the Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, and earlier as the Bishop of the Forces. He now leads approximately four million Catholics in England and Wales.
Criticism of Migration Policies
Moth has been vocal on contemporary issues, particularly migration. He publicly condemned recent comments by billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, describing Ratcliffe's language as "unfortunate" and his approach as "deeply unfortunate." Moth expressed wholehearted disagreement with such viewpoints.
Additionally, he criticized government policies that house asylum seekers in hotels for extended periods, arguing that this arrangement is not ideal and calling for a more humane and effective debate on addressing refugee struggles.
Support from Religious Leaders
During the installation ceremony, the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, praised Moth for his "deep concern for the dignity of every person." She emphasized the importance of unity in a divided world, stating that traditions are deepened through friendship and walking together in charity, honesty, and truth.
Opportunities for Growth and Renewal
In a recent interview with the Catholic Herald, Archbishop Moth expressed optimism about the church's future. He noted that most dioceses report increased adult baptisms and a gradual rise in church attendance post-pandemic. While numbers have not yet returned to pre-Covid levels, there is growing interest from young adults exploring or entering the church.
Moth sees this as a significant opportunity for the Catholic Church to capture the interest of new believers and foster a renewed sense of community and faith.
