Church must learn from abuse victims, says Catholic Archbishop Richard Moth
BBC World
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Archbishop Richard Moth, the newly installed leader of Catholics in England and Wales, delivered a heartfelt address during his installation at Westminster Cathedral, where he acknowledged the Church’s past failures, particularly in cases of abuse. Speaking to a congregation of over 2,000, Moth emphasized the importance of listening to victims and learning from their experiences, calling for greater accountability and social justice. He also reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to protecting the vulnerable, including refugees and those displaced by conflict.
Moth, who succeeds Cardinal Vincent Nichols, highlighted the fragility of the Church’s evangelical work and its impact on faith communities due to past failures in areas like love, power, and self-control. He emphasized that these challenges should not deter the Church from addressing critical issues such as peace, human dignity, and environmental protection. The new Archbishop also received support from Dame Sarah Mullally, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who praised his dedication to the dignity of every person.
The installation ceremony included traditional rituals, such as Moth kneeling at the Great West Door of Westminster Cathedral and blessing congregants with holy water. As the leader of four million Catholics, Moth has taken on a significant role in shaping the Church’s future, particularly in addressing its historical shortcomings and reaffirming its mission to serve the marginalized. His leadership is expected to focus on fostering deeper connections within the faith community and strengthening the Church’s global witness.
This speech matters because it addresses pressing concerns about accountability and social justice within the Catholic Church, which are of significant interest to readers following global religious and ethical issues. By prioritizing the voices of abuse victims and vulnerable populations, Moth signals a shift toward greater transparency and responsibility in the Church’s leadership. His remarks also highlight the importance of addressing human rights and refugee crises, making his message relevant to broader societal concerns.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/14/2026