Councillor Robert Rigby, the lord mayor of Westminster, has been selected to receive a papal knighthood — a prestigious recognition and the highest honor awarded to lay Catholics by the
Vatican. Rigby will be formally inducted as a Knight of St. Gregory in 2025.
The announcement left Rigby both surprised and deeply honored. Speaking to CNA, he expressed his gratitude: “It’s a wonderful honor. I’m rather blown over by the whole thing. I never expected anything like this. It’s a great honor for me.”
At 63, Rigby has openly shared how his Catholic faith shapes his approach to public service. Reflecting on the influence of his education at Ampleforth College, a Benedictine institution in Yorkshire, he said: “My Benedictine education taught me two key principles: listening and humility. These values have guided me throughout my public life.”
He continued, “Listening to others, staying grounded, and respecting people are essential. Service isn’t just about actions but about truly recognizing and helping others where you can.”
Faith in action
Papal knighthoods are awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to their faith, community, or the work of the Holy See at various levels. Rigby, elected lord mayor in May 2023, has consistently emphasized the role of faith in his public duties.
As a former chair of the Catholic Union and a member of the Catenians — a Catholic men’s organization — Rigby has been committed to addressing homelessness in London. He regularly volunteers at the Central London Catholic Churches homeless lunch service and has named the Cardinal Hume Centre as one of his official charities.
The Cardinal Hume Centre, named after the late Benedictine Cardinal Basil Hume, provides support for homeless individuals, vulnerable teenagers, and migrants arriving in the U.K. without resources. Rigby explained, “I’m deeply concerned about homelessness and the struggles of those arriving in this country without a safety net. The Cardinal Hume Centre does extraordinary work, and supporting it is a way for me to live out my faith.”
Rigby’s faith-driven leadership extends beyond his local responsibilities. Following the devastating floods in Valencia, Spain, he attended a requiem Mass at St. James’ Spanish Place Church in London. The Mass, attended by Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía, the apostolic nuncio to Great Britain, and Spanish Ambassador José Pascual Marco, was a gesture of solidarity with the Spanish community in London.
“The loss of life in Valencia has been felt deeply here,” Rigby said. “It was important for me to be there to show that Westminster stands with those affected during such a traumatic time.”
A “crowning accolade”
Reflecting on his appointment, Rigby credited the “remarkable Catholics” he has met throughout his career, who have inspired him with their faith in action. “As lord mayor, I’ve had the privilege of meeting extraordinary individuals who embody their faith through service. This honor is a crowning accolade for me, both personally and professionally.”
He dedicated the award to the people he serves, saying, “Whether in public or private life, my Catholic faith has been my guide. As lord mayor, representing 210,000 residents from diverse backgrounds and faiths, it’s vital to demonstrate how my faith informs my work and why I believe it’s important to openly discuss faith in public life.”
Rigby’s papal knighthood will be officially conferred in 2025 at a ceremony he anticipates will be a highlight of his life. “It will be a fantastic day, one I’ll remember forever,” he said. Photo by society.ampleforthcollege.org.uk, Wikimedia commons.
