St Francis Leprosy Guild is delighted to announce that the newly installed Archbishop of Westminster, the Most Reverend Richard Moth, has agreed to become its Patron.

Following historical custom, the Archbishop of Westminster has served as Patron of St Francis Leprosy Guild, and now Archbishop Richard will succeed HE Cardinal Vincent Nichols. He said:

“I have very happy memories of celebrating the Annual Mass for the Guild at Farm Street and I am delighted to become its Patron. I am most grateful for the invitation and for the devoted and important work that the Guild continues to undertake in supporting those affected by leprosy around the world.”

 

SFLG’s Chair of the Board of Trustees, Edward Reed, said:

“Following his recent joyful installation as the new Archbishop of Westminster in the year of the 800th Anniversary of the death of St Francis, we are delighted to welcome as our new Patron the Most Reverend Richard Moth, who takes up the reins from HE Cardinal Nichols. Archbishop Moth was Celebrant at our Annual Mass in 2022, and he joins a distinguished line of Patrons going back 130 years. As we wish Cardinal Nichols happiness in his new ministry, we look forward to Archbishop Richard’s guidance in our work. We ask all our supporters to pray for his ministry in the Diocese of Westminster.”

 

The former Bishop of Arundel & Brighton, Archbishop Richard was Principal Celebrant at SFLG’s 127th Annual Mass held on Friday 4 November 2022, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Farm Street, London. During the service, the Bishop preached on the life of St Charles Borromeo and how this unlikely saint had influenced the work of St Francis Leprosy Guild.

Pope Leo XIV appointed the Most Reverend Richard Moth as the new Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster in December 2025. He succeeded HE Cardinal Vincent Nichols. Archbishop Richard was installed on 14 February 2026 and is the new spiritual leader for Catholics in England and Wales.

Photo credits: © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk