Overview
- The Holy See accepted Cardinal Vincent Nichols’ resignation, ending his 16-year tenure as Westminster archbishop at age 80.
- Richard Moth has led Arundel and Brighton since 2015, previously served as Bishop of the Forces, and was born in Chingola, Zambia.
- The Holy See Press Office confirmed his installation will take place at Westminster Cathedral on 14 February 2026.
- As chair of the bishops’ Department for Social Justice, Moth has highlighted prison reform, the cost-of-living crisis, and the two-child benefit cap, and he has urged empathy for refugees.
- At a London briefing, he said the Church should speak clearly yet charitably on issues such as migration and assisted dying, affirmed safeguarding commitments, and offered to meet abuse survivors; the move follows Pope Leo’s New York appointment and is viewed as part of a wider generational shift.