Press Release
Archbishop of Westminster, the Most Reverend Richard Moth, becomes SFLG's new patron
Wednesday 4 March 2026: St Francis Leprosy Guild is delighted to announce that the newly installed Archbishop of Westminster, the Most Reverend Richard Moth, has agreed to become our Patron.
It has been customary for the Archbishop of Westminster to serve as Patron of St Francis Leprosy Guild. Archbishop Richard will succeed HE Cardinal Vincent Nichols. He said:
It has been customary for the Archbishop of Westminster to serve as Patron of St Francis Leprosy Guild. Archbishop Richard will succeed HE Cardinal Vincent Nichols. He said:
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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 to you 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, 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 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 and 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.
Archbishop Richard Celebrant at SFLG's 127th Thanksgiving Mass
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Archbishop Richard, Celebrant at SFLG's 127th Thanksgiving Mass
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St Francis Leprosy Guild ("SFLG") is the UK’s Catholic leprosy charity. SFLG has cared for people with leprosy for over 130 years. The charity operates in twelve countries in Africa, Asia and in Brazil where leprosy is endemic. By supporting over thirty leprosy centres and projects, it plays its part in caring for those affected by the disease and working towards a leprosy-free world. SFLG funds research projects, hospitals, rehabilitation centres and Active Case-Finding; a programme that finds, diagnoses and treats people with leprosy before it causes disability and spreads into communities.
Pope Leo XIV appointed the Most Reverend Richard Moth as the new Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster in December 2025. He succeeded Cardinal Vincent Nichols. The Archbishop was installed on 14 February 2026 and is the new spiritual leader for Catholics in England and Wales. Read more here.
Please contact Katharine Jones for further information.
Pope Leo XIV appointed the Most Reverend Richard Moth as the new Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster in December 2025. He succeeded Cardinal Vincent Nichols. The Archbishop was installed on 14 February 2026 and is the new spiritual leader for Catholics in England and Wales. Read more here.
Please contact Katharine Jones for further information.
© Mazur/cbcew.org.uk
