Archbishop Richard Moth Receives Pallium in Ceremony
Thirty-five newly appointed metropolitan archbishops received the pallium during a ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica this morning. Pope Leo XIV physically presented the white vestment, which symbolizes the archbishops' r…
Thirty-five newly appointed metropolitan archbishops received the pallium during a ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica this morning. Pope Leo XIV physically presented the white vestment, which symbolizes the archbishops' responsibilities and connection to papal authority, during the Mass celebrated on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul.
Among those honored was Archbishop Richard Moth, who expressed that the moment was “quite an extraordinary thing.” This marked the first time in eleven years that a pope personally bestowed the palliums on new bishops, as the tradition had shifted under Pope Francis, who previously delegated this ceremony to the nuncio in archbishops' respective jurisdictions.
In an interview with Vatican News, Archbishop Moth highlighted the significance of receiving the pallium directly from the Pope, describing it as a “symbol of your closeness to the Petrine ministry from the Holy Father himself.” He noted that the ceremony serves as a powerful experience for both archbishops and the Church community alike. Transitioning from his previous role as bishop of the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton, Moth now oversees a much larger archdiocese that encompasses 206 communities.
Additionally, Archbishop Moth was elected President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales in April 2026. Reflecting on his new leadership role, he praised the unity among bishops in the conference, stating that one of their priorities is to advocate for human dignity. He mentioned that they will be facing the assisted dying bill again in the near future. He emphasized that the collaborative efforts of bishops significantly contribute to the Church's overall mission.
Archbishop Moth stressed the importance of grounding all activities in prayer, a principle he believes is essential for fulfilling God’s mission. He shared his routine of dedicating time each morning for prayer before engaging in daily responsibilities. Moreover, the new archbishop aims to foster dialogue with the Church of England, highlighting recent interactions with the newly appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally. He believes these discussions will cultivate opportunities for joint social outreach initiatives across England and Wales.
