Summary
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Richard Moth as the new Archbishop of Westminster, making him the leader of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. Richard Moth replaces Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who is stepping down. As the new archbishop, Moth will also become president of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales and lead approximately six million Catholics.
Key Facts
- Richard Moth has been appointed the new Archbishop of Westminster by Pope Leo XIV.
- He replaces Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who served since 2009.
- Richard Moth was previously the Bishop of Arundel and Brighton.
- As Archbishop, Moth will lead the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales.
- The Catholic Church in England and Wales is addressing declining church attendance.
- Moth has been active in addressing social justice issues and concerns about the use of Christian symbols in far-right rallies.
- The Church faces ongoing challenges related to safeguarding after past reports of child sexual abuse.
- Cardinal Nichols was criticized in a 2020 inquiry for prioritizing the Church's reputation over abuse victims.
