UK: Congratulations to Archbishop-elect Moth

THE UK National Director of a Catholic charity has welcomed the appointment of a new Archbishop of Westminster.

Archbishop-elect Richard Moth has today (Friday, 19th December) been appointed by Pope Leo XIV as successor to Cardinal Vincent Nichols.

Dr Caroline Hull, director of Aid to the Church in Need (UK), said: “I am delighted to learn of Bishop Moth’s appointment as the new Archbishop of Westminster. 

“His help and support of the work of ACN has been hugely important and always greatly appreciated. 

“The whole team at ACN wishes him every grace and blessing in his new role.

“We hope to continue to work with him to support the suffering and persecuted Church around the world.”

Ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Southwark on 3rd July 1982, Archbishop-elect Moth has served as Bishop of Arundel and Brighton since 2015. 

He was the Catholic Bishop of the Forces from 2009 to 2015. 

He will become the 12th Archbishop of Westminster. 

Cardinal Nichols, who has served in the role since 2009, will now become Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Westminster until Archbishop-elect Moth is installed.

Archbishop-elect Moth said in a statement: “I am moved greatly by the trust that Pope Leo has placed in me, in appointing me to the Diocese of Westminster.

“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, I look forward to continuing the great adventure that is the life of the Church and witness to the Gospel.” 

Archbishop-elect Moth will be installed at a service in Westminster Cathedral on 14th February 2026.