Pope Leo XIV Appoints Richard Moth as Archbishop of Westminster in Generational Shift for British Catholic Leadership
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Richard Moth as the new Archbishop of Westminster, selecting the 67 year old social justice advocate to lead England and Wales' most prominent Catholic diocese.
Moth, who has served as Bishop of Arundel and Brighton since 2015, succeeds Cardinal Vincent Nichols, 80, who has led the Westminster archdiocese since 2009. Cardinal Nichols submitted his resignation upon reaching retirement age, with Pope Leo accepting it as part of a broader effort to enforce age limits and bring generational renewal to Catholic leadership.
Born in Zambia in 1958 and raised in Kent, England, Archbishop elect Moth brings extensive experience including previous service as Catholic Bishop of the Forces from 2009 to 2015.
He currently chairs the Department for Social Justice for the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, regularly speaking on issues including prison reform, mental health, the cost of living crisis, and the two child benefit cap.
The appointment comes one day after Pope Leo named Bishop Ronald Hicks as Archbishop of New York, replacing Cardinal Timothy Dolan in another high profile transition. Both Nichols and Dolan were appointed to their positions in 2009 by Pope Benedict XVI and represented influential English speaking cardinals for over a decade.
Moth described himself as "moved greatly by the trust that Pope Leo has placed in me" and stated his first priority will be getting to know the priests and people of Westminster. He will be installed at Westminster Cathedral on February 14, 2026.
Cardinal Nichols expressed delight at Moth's appointment, noting he brings "many gifts and considerable episcopal experience" and recalling his presence at Moth's episcopal ordination in Westminster Cathedral in 2009.
The new archbishop inherits a complex political landscape including the rise of Nigel Farage's Reform party, which campaigns on anti migration platforms while claiming to defend Christian values and Judeo Christian culture. Pope Leo recently warned against dragging "the language of faith into political battles, to bless nationalism, and to justify violence."
THE CRUSADER'S OPINION
Richard Moth is a social justice campaigner. That's how he's described.
Prison reform. Cost of living. Two child benefit cap.
Important issues. But where's the urgency about Christian persecution, doctrinal faithfulness, and defending biblical truth in a nation criminalizing Christian witness?
Britain arrests grandmothers for holding signs near abortion clinics. Prosecutes pastors for preaching. Bans conversion therapy that includes prayer.
Moth chairs social justice. Does he chair defending Christians from government persecution?
Pope Leo warned against faith in political battles. Good.
Will Moth apply that to progressive politics weaponized against traditional Christianity, or only to nationalism?
British Catholics need an archbishop who fights for their religious freedom as hard as he fights for benefit caps.
Time will tell.
TAKE ACTION
Welcome Archbishop Elect Moth: Archdiocese of Westminster Email: communications@rcdow.org.uk Phone: +44 (0)20 7798-9033 Message: "Congratulations on your appointment. British Catholics face increasing persecution from government policies criminalizing biblical teaching. We need you to defend religious freedom with the same passion you bring to social justice."
Pray for Catholic Leadership: Pray that Archbishop elect Moth will courageously defend traditional Christian teaching and protect Catholics from growing government hostility toward biblical values.
Support Catholic Education: Archbishop Moth is known for supporting Catholic schools. Ensure those schools teach authentic Catholic doctrine, not progressive ideology disguised as social justice.
Start a Conversation: Ask Catholics: "Our new archbishop champions social justice. Will he champion religious freedom when the government prosecutes Christians for their beliefs? Which fight matters more right now?"
Engage Your Diocese: Contact local Catholic leadership. Ask what they're doing to oppose buffer zone laws, conversion therapy bans, and other legislation targeting Christian practice.
Monitor His Leadership: Pay attention to Archbishop Moth's priorities once installed. Does he confront anti Christian legislation as forcefully as he advocates for social programs? Hold him accountable to defend the faith.
