Archbishop Richard Moth Installed as 12th Archbishop of Westminster

Richard Moth was officially installed as the 12th Archbishop of Westminster on February 14, 2026, during a ceremony attended by approximately 2,000 congregants at Westminster Cathedral. In his inaugural address, Moth emphasized the Church's historical failures, particularly regarding the abuse 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 called for a renewed commitment to listening to and learning from those who have suffered, asserting that the Church must ensure communities are safe for all.

The Guardian

Moth, who succeeds Cardinal Vincent Nichols, highlighted the Church's "fragile" evangelical work, adversely affected by past failures in love, power, and self-control. He expressed a desire to address pressing social issues, particularly the plight of refugees and the treatment of asylum seekers. Criticizing recent comments made by billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe regarding migration, Moth stated, “The language is unfortunate, and I think that approach that he expressed is a deeply unfortunate one. I would disagree with it wholeheartedly.” He also condemned government policies that house asylum seekers in hotels, advocating for a more humane approach to these issues.

The Guardian

Despite acknowledging the Church's past shortcomings, Moth noted a potential for growth within the Catholic community. He reported an increase in adult baptisms and a gradual rise in church attendance post-COVID-19, although numbers have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. Moth remarked on the growing interest among young adults in exploring or entering the Church, framing this as an opportunity for renewed evangelization.

The Guardian

Dame Sarah Mullally, the new Archbishop of Canterbury, attended the installation and commended Moth's commitment to justice and the dignity of every person. She expressed eagerness to collaborate with him in the future, stating, “In the months ahead, you and I will share a particular responsibility as Presidents of Churches Together in England, and I very much look forward to working with you to deepen our relationships and to strengthen our shared Christian witness.”

The Independent

• “Such failure calls for listening to, and learning from, those who have suffered so grievously and a continuing commitment to ensuring that our communities are places where all are safe in their encounter with Christ and with one another.” — Archbishop Richard Moth

The Independent

• “Speaking into a debate is fine, but the language is unfortunate, and I think that approach that he expressed is a deeply unfortunate one. I would disagree with it wholeheartedly.” — Archbishop Richard Moth

The Guardian

• “In a world marked by division and uncertainty, the call to unity flows from the heart of the gospel itself – our traditions are not weakened by friendship, they are deepened when we walk together in charity, honesty and truth,” — Dame Sarah Mullally

The Guardian

Archbishop Richard Moth's installation marks a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church in England and Wales, as he seeks to address past failures while fostering a more inclusive and compassionate community. His commitment to social issues and the dignity of every individual reflects a broader mission to revitalize the Church's role in contemporary society.

The Independent