Congratulations for Archbishop-elect Richard Moth

Since news of the appointment of Bishop Richard Moth as the new Archbishop of Westminster was released this morning, many messages of congratulation have been arriving.

Aid to the Church in Need

Dr Caroline Hull, director of Aid to the Church in Need (UK), said: "I am delighted to learn of Bishop Moth's appointment as the new Archbishop of Westminster. His help and support of the work of ACN has been hugely important and always greatly appreciated.

"The whole team at ACN wishes him every grace and blessing in his new role. We hope to continue to work with him to support the suffering and persecuted Church around the world."

Jesuit Refugee Service UK

The Jesuit Refugee Service UK (JRS UK) warmly congratulates Archbishop-Elect Richard Moth on his appointment to the Archdiocese of Westminster.

We look forward to working together to promote dignity, justice, and hospitality for people seeking sanctuary.

At a time of increasing division and hostility, the new Archbishop will be at the forefront of sharing the Church's enduring message of love and welcome, as set out by the Bishops of England and Wales in Love the Stranger.

Since his election, Pope Leo has consistently reminded us of the Church's duty to welcome migrants and refugees as our sisters and brothers. This guides the mission of the Jesuit Refugee Service here and across the world.

Dr David Ryall, Director of JRS UK, said: "Our prayers and best wishes are with Archbishop-Elect Richard, and we look forward to supporting him as he continues the Church's long tradition of upholding the rights and dignity of people seeking sanctuary in the UK. His support for refugees in the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton is a powerful demonstration of this.

We welcome his important pastoral message this Advent emphasising that the Holy Family were themselves refugees and affirming the need for solidarity with all those who come here in search of safety.

We also give heartfelt thanks to Cardinal Vincent Nichols, for his witness and solidarity with those who are marginalised. Cardinal Vincent always stood on the side of people seeking protection and help, spoke strongly about the UK's moral duty to welcome refugees, and encouraged the Catholic community as it offered sanctuary. The Cardinal's support for the work of JRS UK gave hope and comfort to so many of our refugee friends."

JRS UK has a special ministry to people made destitute by the asylum system and people held in immigration detention. It is the refugee agency of the Jesuits in Britain.

Love the Stranger is a document from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales outlining a compassionate response to migration and asylum, rooted in scripture and Catholic social teaching.

Catholic Union

Baroness Hollins, President of the Catholic Union says: "Archbishop elect Moth is well known to the Catholic Union, we were lucky enough to hear from him at our AGM only last month. We look forward to continuing to work with him on all the issues of the day with his customary compassion and wisdom. We offer him our support in whatever ways we are able to do so. We would like to pay tribute to Cardinal Vincent Nichols for his tireless work supporting the Catholic laity".

Archbishop-elect Moth will become the 12th Archbishop of Westminster, succeeding Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who has served in the role since 2009. Cardinal Nichols will now become Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Westminster until Archbishop-elect Moth is installed at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday, 14 February 2026.

CAFOD

Christine Allen, Director of CAFOD, says: "We'd like to congratulate Bishop Richard Moth on his appointment as the new Archbishop of Westminster. It coincides with the closing chapters of the Catholic Jubilee, a time of profound faith renewal and a recommitment to building a just world.

"His emphasis on the virtue of justice, as a means of maintaining right relationships with God and one another, is one which is needed to ensure our society is one based on love not hate.

"We would also like to take this time to thank Cardinal Vincent Nichols for all his work and support to CAFOD. His voice, especially speaking up for refugees and migrants, has been very important. We wish him the very best for the future."

St Mary's University

St Mary's University, London, warmly welcomes today's announcement that Bishop Richard Moth has been appointed Archbishop of Westminster.

Bishop Richard has served the University with distinction as Chair of the Board of Governors for 14 years, providing thoughtful leadership, wise counsel, and a strong sense of continuity grounded in St Mary's founding mission and values. His longstanding support for Catholic education has been felt across the University community.

Professor Anthony McClaran, Vice-Chancellor of St Mary's University, said: "On behalf of everyone at St Mary's, I am delighted to congratulate Bishop Richard on his appointment as Archbishop of Westminster.

As Chair of our Board of Governors, he has provided steady leadership, sound judgement, and a deep understanding of the University's mission and purpose. His contribution to St Mary's over many years has been greatly valued, and we are grateful for the care and commitment he has shown to our community. On a personal note, I am immensely grateful for the encouragement and support that Bishop Richard has given me since I became Vice-Chancellor in 2020.

We look forward to continuing our close relationship with him in his new role, and we wish him every success as he prepares to take up this important appointment."

Professor McClaran also paid tribute to Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who has served as Archbishop of Westminster since 2009 and as Chancellor of St Mary's University since 2015, thanking him for his leadership and longstanding support of the University.

St Mary's University remains committed to serving students and wider society through high-quality education shaped by inclusion, purpose, and a strong sense of community. The University looks forward to welcoming Archbishop Moth to campus as he begins his new role.