Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Saturday, 20 December 2025

The new Archbishop of Westminster


It was announced yesterday that the Holy See has appointed the new Archbishop of Westminster. Bishop Richard Moth of Arundel and Brighton will succeed Cardinal Vincent Nichols as the twelfth Archbishop of the premier Catholic diocese and de facto head of the English and Welsh episcopate. 

A friend shared with me the link to the press conference with the Archbishop designate produced by the Diocese of Westminster. It can be seen at Press Conference with 12th Archbishop of Westminster

I was somewhat surprised the online Catholic Herald coverage of the news conference concentrated on the new Archbishop’s careful comments about the Traditional Mass as though they had expected some immediate and far-reaching announcement of a new policy. Much as I would like to see the provisions of Summorum Pontificum restored that is not in the exclusive power of the Archbishop and any such move would need co-ordination with Rome. He is not a new head of a civil government making a policy announcement on his first day in office. Give him time, and pray for him and the wise and generous exercise of the Church’s authority.


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