The Holy See announced on Tuesday the appointment of the Archbishop of Westminster, Msgr. Richard Moth, as apostolic administrator sede plena et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis of the English diocese of Northampton, a decision taken following accusations against its bishop, David Oakley. The measure ensures continuity in the pastoral governance of the diocese without declaring the episcopal see vacant, which remains canonically occupied by Oakley.
The decision comes just days after the diocese confirmed that Oakley has been formally charged with two alleged counts of rape of a minor under 16, for acts that, according to the police investigation, would have occurred between 2000 and 2001, when he was still a priest of the Archdiocese of Birmingham. The bishop, aged 70, has been suspended from his duties since October 2025 and is due to appear before the British courts on 14 August.
By appointing an apostolic administrator sede plena, the Holy See keeps Oakley as titular bishop of Northampton, but entrusts the effective governance of the diocese to Msgr. Moth while the prelate is unable to exercise his ministry. The Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales explained that this canonical figure is used precisely to ensure pastoral continuity when a diocesan bishop is impeded from carrying out his office.
Following the public disclosure of the accusations, the English bishops expressed their deep dismay and once again asked forgiveness from the victims of abuses committed within the Church.
«We are deeply aware that the news of this charge may reawaken painful memories for many people and we once again offer an unreserved apology to those who have been harmed by abuse in the Catholic Church in England and Wales,» they stated in a communiqué, in which they also reiterated their commitment to a zero-tolerance policy and to strengthening mechanisms for the protection of minors and vulnerable persons.
The new apostolic administrator, Msgr. Richard Moth, was appointed Archbishop of Westminster in December 2025, succeeding Cardinal Vincent Nichols at the head of the principal Catholic see of England and Wales. With previous experience as Bishop of Arundel and Brighton and as Military Ordinary for Great Britain, he will now combine the governance of Westminster with the temporary administration of the Diocese of Northampton.