By Andy Drozdziak
London, England, Mar 22, 2025 / 11:00 am
The Catholic Lord Mayor of Westminster, London, received a papal knighthood this week, with the leader expressing belief in a “return of pride” in the United Kingdom for Catholics.
Councilor Robert Rigby was formally awarded the knighthood—the highest honor a lay Catholic can be given by the Holy See—on March 20.
Rigby, 63, has spoken openly about his Catholic faith since being elected lord mayor in May 2024, referring frequently to his Benedictine education at Ampleforth College, Yorkshire, and framing his role as lord mayor as an opportunity to serve the poor and needy in Westminster.
With the papal designation Rigby will now carry the title of Knight of Saint Gregory, an honor created in 1831 which recognizes service in public life and to the Church.
“I am a proud Catholic. The investiture at Westminster was a tremendous event and I was moved to see so many people there,” Rigby told CNA.
The papal honor came as more than 500 adults from his home diocese of Westminster were preparing to enter the Catholic Church at Easter. Rigby described it as an important sign.
“My sense is that we are seeing a return of that pride in our faith across the UK,” he said. “Just look at the fact that 500 people are joining the Church in Westminster alone this year.
