On Monday, Pope Francis appointed Cardinal Robert McElroy from San Diego as the new archbishop of Washington, marking a significant shift in leadership within the Catholic Church as President Donald Trump begins his second term in office. McElroy, known for his progressive views, replaces Cardinal Wilton Gregory, who is retiring after managing the archdiocese during the tumultuous aftermath of the clergy sexual abuse crisis.
During a press conference following the announcement, McElroy expressed hopes that the forthcoming administration would strive to improve America. However, he raised concerns about Trump’s proposed mass deportation policies for immigrants, stating that such measures conflict with Catholic teachings. The Vatican’s announcement coincided with the Catholic feast of the Epiphany and highlighted another pivotal appointment involving Sister Simona Brambilla, who is now the first woman to lead a Vatican dicastery overseeing religious orders.
Pope Francis, who was elected with a promise of reform, has recognized McElroy’s potential since appointing him as bishop of San Diego in 2015 and later elevating him to cardinal status in 2022. Notably, McElroy has emerged as a critic within the U.S. bishops’ community regarding efforts to bar Catholic politicians who support abortion rights from receiving Communion. This stance aligns with Francis’ view that bishops should act as shepherds rather than politicians.
In addition to his stance on abortion, McElroy has advocated for a broader focus on social issues such as racism, poverty, immigration, and climate change, all of which he believes deserve more attention than they currently receive from the bishops’ conference. He has also shown support for LGBTQ+ individuals, denouncing the bullying they often face, thereby aligning closely with the priorities set forth by Pope Francis.
Colleagues have praised McElroy for his compassion and willingness to advocate for vulnerable populations. Natalia Imperatori-Lee, a professor at Manhattan University, noted that his experience leading a diverse diocese makes him particularly suited to address challenges in Washington, particularly in light of the nation’s current polarization.
A Harvard alumnus and holder of a master’s degree from Stanford University, McElroy hails from San Francisco, where he served in the ministry before moving to San Diego. His political and theological insights are considered timely, especially as the country experiences increasing challenges to constitutional democracy. Vincent Miller, a professor of theology, remarked on McElroy’s writings on issues such as nationalism and patriotism, suggesting his viewpoints are particularly relevant in today’s climate.
McElroy’s appointment comes shortly after Trump nominated Brian Burch as the U.S. ambassador to the Holy See. Burch, known for his criticism of some of the Pope’s policies, particularly those focusing on inclusive church governance, adds another layer of complexity to the relationship between the church and the Trump administration. McElroy, who participated in significant Vatican synod processes, affirmed his support for Francis’s inclusive vision of the church.
Addressing the sizable Latino community in Washington, McElroy emphasized the importance of inclusion with a reference to Francis’s mantra of “todos, todos, todos,” signifying that everyone is welcome in the church. He did, however, anticipate conflicts, particularly regarding climate change, which he described as one of the most pressing global challenges, and immigration policies that would potentially lead to large-scale deportations of undocumented individuals.
He acknowledged that while the church recognizes a nation’s right to manage its borders, adherence to the inherent dignity of every individual must be upheld, thereby opposing mass deportations.
The Archdiocese of Washington encompasses the District of Columbia and parts of Maryland, housing over three million people, of whom around 671,000 identify as Catholic. Cardinal Gregory assumed leadership in 2019 amid the repercussions of past scandals involving the archdiocese’s earlier leaders, who faced serious allegations related to sexual misconduct.
Gregory’s appointment was historical, as he became the first Black American cardinal. McElroy, on the other hand, has faced scrutiny due to his association with the McCarrick scandal; he had been warned about former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick’s misconduct but said he did not receive additional evidence to investigate further.
Critics, such as Bishop Joseph Strickland, have expressed dissent regarding McElroy’s appointment, linking it to the scandalous legacy of McCarrick. Despite such discontent, the archdiocese remains a prominent education center, home to The Catholic University of America.
The dean of the university’s theology and religious studies school expressed optimism about collaboration with McElroy, hoping the new leader would engage with the academic community and facilitate mutual influence between the archdiocese and the university.
