Cardinal Robert McElroy Appointed as New Leader of Washington Archdiocese

Cardinal Robert McElroy Appointed as New Leader of Washington Archdiocese

Replacing Cardinal Wilton Gregory

Cardinal Robert McElroy, 70, has been appointed as the new leader of the Catholic Church in Washington, D.C., succeeding Cardinal Wilton Gregory, who is retiring after serving since 2019. McElroy, the bishop of San Diego since 2015, brings a history of advocacy and progressive views to his new role.

A Vocal Critic of Trump’s Immigration Policies

McElroy gained national attention for his opposition to former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies during his first administration. In 2017, he called on Americans to resist Trump’s proposed mass deportation campaign targeting millions of immigrants. He later urged Catholics not to remain passive witnesses to such actions.

A Progressive Ally of Pope Francis

McElroy is considered a staunch supporter of Pope Francis’s vision for the Church. He has taken progressive stances on several issues, including welcoming LGBTQ Catholics and advocating for the ordination of women as deacons. His appointment highlights the pope’s efforts to steer the U.S. Catholic Church toward a more inclusive and socially engaged future.

Academic and Theological Credentials

Originally from San Francisco, McElroy holds a doctorate in theology from Rome’s Pontifical Gregorian University and a doctorate in politics from Stanford University, where he focused on American foreign policy. His academic background equips him to address the complexities of leading the Church in the nation’s capital.

Significance of the Appointment

The announcement of McElroy’s appointment coincided with the fourth anniversary of the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, a symbolic gesture underscoring the importance of moral leadership during times of political tension.

Gregory’s Historic Leadership

Cardinal Wilton Gregory, 77, was the first African American to lead the Washington Archdiocese and the first Black U.S. cardinal. Known for his measured leadership, Gregory notably resisted calls to deny communion to Catholic politicians supporting abortion rights, emphasizing a pastoral approach to divisive issues.

McElroy’s appointment signals continuity in advocating for social justice while embracing a broader vision for inclusivity within the Church.