Catholic News Agency reports the appointment of Richard Moth as “archbishop” of Westminster by “Pope” Leo XIV (Robert Prevost). The article frames Moth’s career as exemplary – emphasizing his work in prison chaplaincy, criminal justice reform, and nominal pro-life advocacy. It highlights his administrative roles: judicial vicar, chancellor, and bishop of Arundel and Brighton since 2015. Notably, the piece praises Moth for permitting limited Traditional Latin Masses despite Traditionis Custodes while characterizing him as “sound on doctrine” yet not “traditionalist.” The retiring “cardinal” Vincent Nichols effusively welcomes Moth’s appointment, recalling his earlier episcopal ordination under Benedict XVI.
Canonical Nullity of Conciliar “Appointments”
The very notion of Pope Leo XIV possessing authority to appoint bishops constitutes theological fraud. Cum ex Apostolatus Officio (1559) irrevocably states that heretics cannot hold ecclesiastical office, rendering all post-1958 “appointments” canonically void. Pius XII’s Vacantis Apostolicae Sedis (1945) established that during sede vacante, no one may alter the Church’s governance. Since the Vatican apparatus has professed heresy through religious liberty (Dignitatis Humanae), false ecumenism (Unitatis Redintegratio), and collegiality (Lumen Gentium), its “hierarchy” exists in schismatic parody. As St. Robert Bellarmine decreed: “A manifest heretic is ipso facto deposed from all jurisdiction” (De Romano Pontifice II.30).
Penal Reform as Substitute for Supernatural Mission
Moth’s celebrated prison ministry exposes the conciliar sect’s reduction of Catholicism to social work. While the article boasts of his advocacy for “reform over punishment,” it omits the essential duty to preach conversion and administer valid sacraments. The Church has always taught that “the primary end of penal systems must be the salvation of souls” (Pius XII, Discourse to Italian Jurists, 1954). Contrast this with Moth’s naturalistic approach – praised by CNA – which treats prisoners as sociological cases rather than immortal souls needing baptism, confession, and sanctifying grace. Such humanitarianism directly violates Pius IX’s condemnation: “The Church ought to adapt her doctrines to modern needs and accommodate herself to worldly wisdom” (Syllabus of Errors, Proposition 64).
Treacherous “Tolerance” of Traditional Liturgy
The article’s backhanded compliment regarding Moth’s limited permission of Traditional Latin Masses reveals the conciliar sect’s intrinsic hostility to Catholic worship. Allowing occasional traditional requiems while enforcing Paul VI’s protestantized rite constitutes diabolical disorientation. As the pre-conciliar Holy Office warned: “It is forbidden to introduce new rites or discard traditional ones” (Decree De Ritibus, 1956). Moth’s nominal “tolerance” mirrors the Modernist tactic condemned by St. Pius X: “To cloak their doctrines in ambiguity, permitting both orthodox and heterodox interpretations” (Pascendi Dominici Gregis 39). His Benedictine oblate status at Pluscarden Abbey – falsely deemed “traditional without being traditionalist” – epitomizes the Novus Ordo’s liturgical schizophrenia.
Omission of Apostolic Mandate
Nowhere does the article mention Moth’s duty to convert England from Anglicanism and secularism. Instead, it celebrates bureaucratic credentials: canon law degree, administrative posts, conference committees. This reflects Vatican II’s heresy that “the Church respects non-Catholic religions as means of salvation” (Nostra Aetate 2). Contrast this with Pius XI’s mandate: “Kings and princes must submit to Christ’s rule, publicly professing Catholic truth and suppressing false religions” (Quas Primas 32). The silence about Moth’s obligation to abolish abortion, eradicate gender ideology, and restore Catholic monarchy proves the conciliar sect’s complicity with modernity’s apostasy.
False Obedience to Anti-Church Authority
Moth’s claim to be “moved greatly by the trust that Pope Leo has placed in me” constitutes formal cooperation with heresy. True Catholics recognize Leo XIV as a false claimant occupying Peter’s Seat through Modernist usurpation. As the Sacred Congregation of the Holy Office decreed: “No Catholic may materially assist at or formally participate in the sacraments of schismatics” (Decree on Communication in Sacris, 1949). Nichols’ gushing welcome –
“Welcome back, dear Bishop Richard… You are most welcome indeed”
– confirms the continuity of apostasy within the conciliar sect. Their mutual admiration society operates as foretold: “False prophets will arise and deceive many” (Matthew 24:11).
Source:
Bishop Richard Moth to succeed Cardinal Nichols as archbishop of Westminster (catholicnewsagency.com)
Date: 19.12.2025