Richard Moth was solemnly installed as Archbishop of Westminster during a Mass at Westminster Cathedral, succeeding Vincent Nichols as head of the Catholic community in England and Wales, according to The Tablet. The service followed the ancient Catholic rite traditionally used for archbishops and drew around 2,000 clergy, ecumenical guests and diocesan representatives.
Clergy and parish leaders welcomed Moth as he received the apostolic letter from Pope Leo XIV and accepted the crozier, the staff symbolising his ministry. Sarah Mullally also greeted him and praised his record of care, justice and respect for human dignity.
In his homily, Moth urged the faithful to serve with humility, love and self-control rather than seek worldly power. He encouraged communities to meet modern challenges by promoting peace, protecting the vulnerable and spreading the Gospel in homes, schools and workplaces.
Born in Chingola in 1958 and raised in Kent, he was ordained a priest in 1982 and began ministry with the Archdiocese of Southwark. He later served as Vicar General, Bishop of the Forces and Bishop of the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton, where he gained broad pastoral and administrative experience.
The installation opens a new chapter for the archdiocese as it advances its mission and responds to today’s social and spiritual challenges.