Key Takeaways
- Bishop Richard Moth has been appointed as the new leader of the Roman Catholic church in England and Wales
- Moth, 67, will replace Cardinal Vincent Nichols as archbishop of Westminster and leader of about 6 million Catholics in England and Wales
- Moth has expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by Pope Leo and looks forward to serving the priests and people of Westminster
- He has paid tribute to outgoing archbishop Nichols, who has given dedicated service to the diocese
- Moth has been involved in various social justice issues, including the debate over assisted dying and the treatment of refugees
Introduction to Bishop Richard Moth
Bishop Richard Moth has been named as the new leader of the Roman Catholic church in England and Wales, replacing Cardinal Vincent Nichols as archbishop of Westminster. Moth, 67, was appointed by Pope Leo and will be responsible for leading about 6 million Catholics in England and Wales. In a statement, Moth expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by the Pope, saying: "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 firm foundations laid by his predecessors and looked forward to continuing the great adventure that is the life of the church and witness to the gospel.
Background and Experience
Moth has a wealth of experience in the Catholic church, having served as bishop of Arundel and Brighton since 2015. Prior to this, he was bishop of the forces for six years. He has also been involved in various social justice issues, including the debate over assisted dying, where he encouraged clergy and parishioners to write to their MPs to express their concerns and to ask them to vote against the proposed legislation. Additionally, Moth has been a strong advocate for the treatment of refugees, reminding Catholics that Jesus’s family fled to Egypt as refugees. He has also helped lead the Catholic church’s work on social justice issues in the UK and praised the scrapping of the two-child benefit cap.
Tribute to Outgoing Archbishop
Moth paid tribute to outgoing archbishop Nichols, who has given dedicated service to the diocese. Nichols, 80, offered to resign when he turned 75 but was asked by the late Pope Francis to stay in his post. He took part in the conclave this year to choose a new pope. Moth acknowledged the significant contribution made by Nichols, saying that he "will be missed greatly". Nichols, in turn, welcomed Moth’s appointment, saying: "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.’"
Personal Life and Interests
Moth was born in Zambia and brought up in Kent. He has been an oblate of Pluscarden Abbey, a community of Catholic Benedictine monks in Scotland, for more than 40 years. He is also a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Moth is the chair of governors at St Mary’s University, Twickenham and liaison bishop for prisons. These various roles and interests demonstrate Moth’s commitment to the Catholic church and his desire to serve others.
Formal Appointment
Moth will be formally appointed at Westminster Cathedral on 14 February. This will mark the beginning of a new era for the Catholic church in England and Wales, with Moth at the helm. As he prepares to take on this new role, Moth has expressed his enthusiasm for getting to know the priests and people of Westminster and for serving them. With his experience and commitment to social justice, Moth is well-equipped to lead the Catholic church in England and Wales and to continue the great adventure that is the life of the church and witness to the gospel.