Bishop Richard Moth appointed new Archbishop of Westminster
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has today, 19 December, appointed the Right Reverend Richard
Moth as Archbishop of Westminster. Ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of
Southwark on 3 July 1982, Archbishop-elect Moth has served as Bishop of Arundel and
Brighton since 2015. Prior to that, he was the Catholic Bishop of the Forces from 2009 to
2015.
Archbishop-elect Moth will become the 12th Archbishop of Westminster, succeeding
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who has served in the role since 2009. Cardinal Nichols will now
become Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Westminster until Archbishop-elect Moth
is Installed at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday, 14 February 2026.
On hearing of his appointment, Archbishop-elect Moth said:
"I am moved greatly by the trust that Pope Leo has placed in me, in appointing me to the
Diocese of Westminster. 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. He has given dedicated
service to the Diocese and will be missed greatly.
"Serving the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton has given me the wonderful opportunity of
sharing the Church's mission with lay faithful and clergy, and I give thanks for the many
blessings of these last ten years.
"My first task will be to get to know the priests and people of Westminster and I look
forward, now, to serving them. With them, and building on the firm foundations that have
been laid by so many down the years, I look forward to continuing the great adventure that
is the life of the Church and witness to the Gospel."
Cardinal Vincent Nichols said:
"I am delighted at this news. Archbishop-elect Richard will bring to our Diocese many gifts
and considerable episcopal experience from his years of ministry in the Diocese of Arundel
and Brighton, and before that as Bishop of the Forces. I look forward very much to his
Installation as our new Archbishop on Saturday, 14 February 2026. It is, of course, St
Valentine’s Day, as well as the Feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius, co-Patrons of Europe.
"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.'"
Biography
Bishop Richard Moth was born in Chingola, Zambia, in 1958. He was brought up in Kent
and, after leaving The Judd School, Tonbridge, began formation for the Priesthood at St.
John’s Seminary, Wonersh. He was ordained Priest for the Archdiocese of Southwark on 3
June 1982.
He served as assistant priest at St. Bede’s, Clapham Park, before pursing studies in Canon
Law at St. Paul University, Ottawa. In 1987, he was appointed assistant priest at St. Saviour’s
Lewisham, during which time he also served as a Territorial Army Chaplain with 217 General
Hospital RAMC(V).
He served as Private Secretary to Archbishop Michael Bowen from 1992 until 2001, during
which time he was also President of the Interdiocesan Tribunal of Second Instance of
Southwark and Vocations Director. In 2001 he was appointed Vicar General and Chancellor
of the Diocese.
He was ordained Bishop of the Forces on 29 September 2009 in Westminster Cathedral and
served in this capacity, until his appointment as Bishop of Arundel and Brighton on 21
March 2015.
He is Chair of Governors at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham, Chair of the Department for
Social Justice of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales and Liaison Bishop
for Prisons. He serves on the Standing Committee of the Bishops’ Conference. He chairs The
Plater Trust, dedicated to the support of projects across England and Wales that put into
practice the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. He is also a member of the Mixed
Commission of the Bishops’ Conference – a body that brings together bishops and those
living Religious Life.
Bishop Richard has been an Oblate of Pluscarden Abbey for over 40 years and is a member
of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, travelling many times to the
Holy Land. In 2020 he was appointed Prior of the Southern Section of the Lieutenancy of
England and Wales.
He is a Liveryman and Extra Court Member of the Skinners’ Company and a Freeman the
City of London, serving the Company as Chair of its History Committee.
He enjoys horse riding and walking.
The Diocese of Westminster
The Diocese of Westminster serves the London boroughs north of the River Thames,
stretching from the River Lea in the east to Hillingdon in the west, and including
Hertfordshire to the north and the Borough of Spelthorne to the south.
Established by Blessed Pius IX on 29 September 1850, the diocese celebrated its 175th
anniversary in 2025. Today, the diocese’s parishes and schools reflect a rich diversity of
cultures and traditions. A key part of its mission is expressed through agencies such as
Caritas Westminster who support those most at risk of exclusion due to poverty, disability,
isolation, and exploitation.
Further information will be shared nationally and on the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton’s
website: www.abdiocese.org.uk/diocese/news
Media Contacts
Simeon Elderfield
Head of Communications for the Diocese of Westminster
E: simeonelderfield@rcdow.org.uk
T: 0207 798 9030 or M: 07706 288913
Alexander DesForges
Press Secretary to the Archbishop of Westminster
M: 07983 704097
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