Outspoken archbishop is named new leader of Catholics in England

He will take over as Archbishop of Westminster next month when Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor retires after nine years in the post.

The appointment of Archbishop Nichols, 63, who has spoken out over issues such as faith school independence and the position of Catholic adoption agencies towards gay couples, ends weeks of speculation and places one of Britain's most forthright clerics in charge of about 4.2 million Catholics.

Archbishop Nichols has become a powerful public figure who is unafraid of defending the traditional values of the Catholic Church.

Observers said he would bring dynamism, wisdom and strong leadership, although he said he was "daunted" by his selection as he pledged to use the role to promote unity across society.

"I know that as I prepare to take on this new office in the Church many people will pray to the Lord that I will be strengthened for this task — and that is what I definitely need," he said.

"We often hear of the challenges facing our country in finding cohesion in the face of great diversity. Our churches are places where people are from a wide variety of different racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

"They come together, work together and contribute together to the wider good of our society. The Church in this country has a great deal to offer and I hope to do my best to contribute to that project in this new role."

Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor said Archbishop Nichols had a "deeply held desire to promote the common good" as he welcomed his successor's appointment.

He said: "It will be a profound joy for me to celebrate Holy Week, Easter, and especially the Chrism Mass with the priests of the diocese next week, content in the knowledge the diocese is soon to be in the care of a hugely experienced and compassionate pastor."

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, also welcomed the appointment, saying he was "delighted" and that Archbishop Nichols was a "valued friend and colleague" with whom he looked forward to working.

"I am confident that we shall be able to continue the warm and close relations between our churches that have developed over recent years, and I wish him every blessing and success in this new ministry," he said.