New Archbishop of Westminster Installed in Solemn Ceremony
Richard Moth was officially installed as the 12th Archbishop of Westminster during a significant mass at Westminster Cathedral in London on Saturday. The ceremony marked his formal assumption of leadership over Roman Catholics in England and Wales, succeeding Cardinal Vincent Nichols who retired after sixteen years of service.
Acknowledging Institutional Failures
In his address to a congregation of approximately two thousand people, Archbishop Moth directly confronted the Catholic Church's historical shortcomings. "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," he stated solemnly.
The new archbishop emphasized that such failures demand "listening to, and learning from, those who have suffered so grievously." He committed to ensuring that Catholic communities become "places where all are safe in their encounter with Christ and with one another."
Focus on Vulnerable Populations
Archbishop Moth specifically highlighted the struggles of refugees and victims of abuse, urging greater understanding and action. He criticized current government policies regarding asylum seekers, particularly the practice of housing them in hotels for extended periods. "Having people living in hotels for long periods of time is not ideal," he remarked in a recent interview.
The archbishop also condemned recent comments by billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe regarding migration, describing them as "deeply unfortunate" and stating he "would disagree with it wholeheartedly."
Leadership Transition and Vision
Pope Leo XIV appointed Moth to the Westminster position in December, placing him in charge of approximately four million Catholics across England and Wales. The new archbishop, who was born in Zambia but moved to Kent during his childhood, previously served as bishop of Arundel and Brighton and as bishop of the Forces.
During the installation ceremony, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, praised Moth's "deep concern for the dignity of every person." She noted that "in a world marked by division and uncertainty, the call to unity flows from the heart of the gospel itself."
Opportunities for Renewal
Despite acknowledging failures, Archbishop Moth expressed optimism about the church's future. He described the current moment as one of "opportunity," pointing to increased adult baptisms and growing interest from young adults exploring Catholicism.
"Most dioceses report increased adult baptisms and a gradual rise in people coming to church," Moth told the Catholic Herald this month. "Numbers are picking up again after Covid, though not yet back to pre-pandemic levels. There is also growing interest from young adults exploring or entering the church. So there is a great opportunity here."
The archbishop acknowledged that the church's evangelical work remains "fragile and adversely impacted by our failures in love, power and self-control," but emphasized the importance of moving forward with compassion and renewed commitment to vulnerable communities.
