A New Shepherd for Westminster: Archbishop Richard Moth Installed as the Twelfth Archbishop
February 14, 2026 | Westminster Cathedral, London
On a day already rich with meaning — the Feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius, co-Patrons of Europe, and the eve of the Lenten season — the Catholic Church in England and Wales welcomed a new shepherd. On Saturday, February 14, 2026, the Most Reverend Richard Moth was formally installed as the Twelfth Archbishop of Westminster during a solemn Mass of Installation at the magnificent Westminster Cathedral in London.
Appointed by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in December 2025, Archbishop Moth succeeds Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who served the Diocese of Westminster with great dedication for sixteen years. The installation brought together nearly 2,000 faithful from across the diocese and beyond in a ceremony alive with the Holy Spirit.
A Ceremony Rooted in Tradition
Archbishop Moth entered the Cathedral through the Great West Door and was received by the Provost, Canon Shaun Lennard, who pronounced the formal words of installation: “…do install you, the Lord Richard, Archbishop in this Church of Westminster, in which may our Lord Jesus Christ guard your going in from henceforth, now and for evermore.”
Following the installation rite, Archbishop-Emeritus Cardinal Vincent Nichols presented the new Archbishop with the Westminster crozier — the pastoral staff that symbolises his role as shepherd to the faithful of the diocese. The chalice used at the Pontifical Mass was a remarkable piece of history, crafted in silver-gilt in 1529 during the reign of King Henry VIII, predating the Reformation itself.
“Fan Into Flame the Gift of God”
In his homily, Archbishop Moth drew from Saint Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy, calling the Diocese to “fan into flame the gift of God.” He reflected that the power given by the Holy Spirit is not one of domination or control, but of service — a self-giving love modeled entirely on Christ.
He also called the faithful not to fear the pressing questions of our time: the right to life at every stage, the dignity of every person, peace among nations, and the plight of the refugee.
A Pastor with Deep Roots
Born in Zambia in 1958 and raised in Kent, England, Archbishop Moth was ordained to the priesthood in 1982 for the Archdiocese of Southwark. He later served as the Catholic Bishop of the Forces (2009–2015) before becoming Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, a role he held for a decade.
The Diocese of Westminster, established in 1850, serves the London boroughs north of the River Thames and surrounding areas, encompassing a rich diversity of cultures, languages, and traditions. It celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2025 — and now enters a new chapter under Archbishop Moth’s pastoral care.
A Moment for the Whole Church
The installation was a moment of unity that reached well beyond the Diocese. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, greeted Archbishop Moth on behalf of Churches Together in England, reflecting on the ecumenical bonds that deepen whenever Christians walk together in charity and truth. The Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin, was also present, conveying the warm prayers of the Irish Church.
As the great hymn of thanksgiving, the Te Deum, filled the Cathedral, Archbishop Moth was led through the nave to bless the people — pausing briefly in prayer at the tomb of his predecessor, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor. It was a quiet, tender moment: a new shepherd honouring those who came before, and entrusting himself to the same God they served.
The Catholic Grandparents Association rejoices with our brothers and sisters in England and Wales as they welcome Archbishop Moth. We hold him and the faithful of Westminster in our prayers, trusting that under his guidance, the flame of faith will burn ever more brightly in homes, schools, and parishes — passed on, as it always has been, from generation to generation.
Sources: Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales (cbcew.org.uk); Diocese of Westminster (rcdow.org.uk); Birmingham Diocese (birminghamdiocese.org.uk); ITV News.