Pope Francis Appoints Cardinal McElroy as New Leader of Washington D.C.’s Catholic Church, Signaling Progressive Shift
Pope Francis on Monday named Cardinal Robert McElroy, a vocal critic of Donald Trump’s political agenda, as the new leader of the Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. The announcement comes just days before Trump is inaugurated as U.S. president.
Cardinal McElroy, 70, has served as the bishop of San Diego since 2015 and will succeed Cardinal Wilton Gregory, who has led the archdiocese since 2019 and is retiring. Known for his progressive stance on social and political issues, McElroy has long championed Pope Francis’ pastoral vision.
A Bold Choice in a Divisive Era
McElroy drew attention in 2017 for his sharp condemnation of Trump’s proposed mass deportation campaign targeting millions of undocumented immigrants. In a public speech, he urged Americans to “disrupt” such plans and later told a Catholic magazine that Catholics “simply can’t stand by and watch [immigrants] get deported.”
The timing of McElroy’s appointment has raised eyebrows. It coincides with the fourth anniversary of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riotāa stark reminder of the political polarization in the United States. Massimo Faggioli, a professor at Villanova University, described the move as “a statement to the halls of power in D.C. and boardrooms in America.”
Champion of Progressive Causes
McElroy has been a steadfast ally of Pope Francis among the U.S. Catholic bishops, many of whom remain divided over the pontiff’s progressive agenda. He has advocated for inclusivity toward LGBTQ Catholics and called for the ordination of women as deaconsāpositions that have sparked both praise and controversy within the Church.
A San Francisco native, McElroy holds a doctorate in theology from Rome’s Pontifical Gregorian University and a doctorate in politics from Stanford University, where his dissertation focused on American foreign policy. Pope Francis elevated him to the rank of cardinal in 2022.
Gregory’s Legacy
Cardinal Wilton Gregory, 77, made history as the first African American leader of the Washington Archdiocese and the first Black U.S. cardinal. Known for his moderate approach, Gregory resisted conservative calls to deny communion to Catholic politicians who support abortion rights, including President Joe Biden and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosiāa stance McElroy shares.
Signaling Change in Washington
McElroy’s appointment signals Pope Francis’ continued push for a more inclusive and socially engaged Church. With his history of challenging political norms and advocating for marginalized communities, McElroy is poised to bring a dynamic presence to the nation’s capital during heightened political and social divisions.
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