The Catholic Bishops of England and Wales held a one-day plenary assembly on Saturday, 18 April, followed by a week of ongoing formation that concluded on Thursday, 23 April.

The gathering took place at Convento Palazzola, the Venerable English College’s villa and retreat house just outside Rome. The English College is a seminary that prepares men for the priesthood.

New President of CBCEW

During the plenary meeting, the Bishops of England and Wales elected Archbishop Richard Moth, Archbishop of Westminster, as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. He succeeds Cardinal Vincent Nichols, his predecessor in Westminster, who served as President from April 2009.

Archbishop Moth said:

“It’s a real privilege to be in this position and I really pray that, with my brother bishops, I’ll be able to serve the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

“We look at the challenges in the world around us and that very often shapes our priorities. But it’s not just about being reactive, it’s about having a real consciousness that the Gospel message is an eternal message, the fact of God’s love for us all, that’s something that’s unchanging, and it’s about bringing that message into the world.

“For me, ‘mission’ is very much a priority: a mission grounded in prayer and our celebration of the liturgy, and a mission that enables us to bring the light of the Gospel and the peace of Christ into the world in which we live.”

Archbishop John Sherrington, Archbishop of Liverpool, was elected by the Bishops to replace Archbishop Moth as Chair of the Bishops’ Conference Department for Social Justice.

Statement on peace 

As the bishops met in Rome, Pope Leo XIV followed his Apostolic Journey through Africa to its conclusion.

The bishops issued a statement on peace as a sign of solidarity with the Holy Father, asking for Catholics to pray with them for an enduring peace with justice in the world’s conflict zones.

Prayer for Peace of Pope Saint John XXIII

Lord Jesus Christ,
who are called the Prince of Peace,
who are yourself our peace and reconciliation,
who so often said,
“Peace to you,”
grant us peace.
Make all men and women witnesses of truth,
justice, and brotherly love.
Banish from their hearts whatever might endanger peace.
Enlighten our rulers that they may guarantee
and defend the great gift of peace.
May all peoples of the earth become as brothers and sisters.
May longed-for peace blossom forth
and reign always over us all.
Amen