The new Archbishop of Westminster has been announced. What can Catholics expect from Richard Moth?

Pope Leo has appointed Rt Rev Richard Moth to succeed Cardinal Vincent Nichols as Archbishop of Westminster. He’s known for careful governance, social justice advocacy, and deep Benedictine spirituality, says Tony Wilson. But will his management skills and contemplative prayer life contribute to a spiritual awakening in modern Britain?

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Richard Moth, Roman Catholic bishop of Arundel and Brighton, to succeed Vincent Nichols as the 12th Archbishop of Westminster next year.

In taking up this role, Moth will become the leader of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales.

Born in Zambia in 1958, Moth came to England with his family where he received a traditional grammar school education in Kent. After training for the priesthood at Wonersh Seminary, he was ordained in 1982 by Michael Bowen, the Archbishop of Southwark for whom he would later serve as permanent secretary.

After ministering as curate in Clapham, Moth studied for a master’s degree in Canon Law in Ottawa, Canada before resuming parish ministry in south east London and as a chaplain to the territorial army.