New archbishop of Westminster urges greater understanding of struggles of ‘the vulnerable’

The Guardian World

by Sinéad Campbell

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The new Archbishop of Westminster, Richard Moth, has made a strong call for greater understanding and action to support vulnerable individuals during his official installation ceremony. He acknowledged the Catholic Church’s failures, particularly in cases where the vulnerable were abused or mistreated, and emphasized the need for reform. Moth urged the church to learn from its past mistakes and address the struggles faced by refugees and abuse victims. He highlighted that while the church has fallen short in protecting the marginalized, this moment presents an opportunity for growth and renewal. Moth’s remarks came during a ceremony where he was officially installed as the leader of Roman Catholics in England and Wales. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the church’s shortcomings, especially in light of scandals involving sexual abuse and financial exploitation of vulnerable individuals. These issues have deeply affected public trust in the institution, and Moth expressed a commitment to fostering greater accountability and compassion. He stressed that the church must not only acknowledge its failures but also take concrete steps to prevent such harm in the future. The archbishop’s comments resonate with broader global concerns about the role of religious institutions in protecting vulnerable populations. His focus on refugees and abuse victims reflects a growing awareness of social justice issues within the Church. Moth’s leadership is seen as an opportunity for the Catholic Church to rebuild trust and demonstrate its commitment to addressing systemic problems. By prioritizing the needs of the marginalized, he aims to steer the church toward a more compassionate and inclusive future. This moment of reflection and renewal is particularly significant in the context of ongoing debates about religion’s role in society. Archbishop Moth’s call for greater understanding and action highlights the importance of ethical leadership in addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable communities. His message serves as a reminder that religious institutions must remain committed to justice and compassion, even when confronted with their own shortcomings. In summary, Archbishop Richard Moth’s installation marks a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church in England and Wales. His acknowledgment of past failures and emphasis on opportunities for reform underscore the importance of addressing the struggles faced by vulnerable individuals. As he leads the church forward, his focus on accountability, compassion, and social justice offers hope for a more inclusive and trustworthy institution.

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/14/2026