Cardinal Robert McElroy was installed as the eighth archbishop of the Archdiocese of Washington on March 11, 2025, during a solemn two-hour liturgy at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The event drew around 3,500 attendees, including civic leaders, priests, and faithful from various backgrounds, all gathered to welcome their new shepherd.
The Installation Mass was particularly significant as it marked the transition of leadership from Cardinal Wilton Gregory, who served as archbishop from 2019 until his retirement this year. Pope Francis appointed Cardinal McElroy to this prominent role on January 6, 2025, and his tenure began with high hopes and expectations from the local community.
During the mass, Cardinal McElroy shared his vision for fostering hope within the community, encouraging those present to become "pilgrims of hope in a wounded world." The message was clear: amid life’s challenges, the Church should lead by embodying hope and compassion. "What hope we could bring to our world as the Church of Washington if we could truly help our society to see others more as God sees them—beloved children, sisters, and brothers," remarked McElroy.
His homily also emphasized how easy it is for individuals to become trapped by worldly worries, urging the faithful to refuse to be overpowered by these limitations. "We must refuse to be overpowered by these prisons, and instead,journey together as a local Church, companions in faith and fragility to embrace the same risen Lord," he affirmed. This vision aligns with the themes of the Jubilee Year being celebrated within the Church, renewing spirits and emboldening communities.
Cardinal McElroy’s message was not just about the Church's outreach but also about introspection and mercy. He conveyed the importance of viewing the world as God does. "It is God who bestows mercy on us and calls us in turn to become bestowers of mercy upon others," he stated, reinforcing the idea of mutual love and support as central to Christian life. His words reminded the congregation of the significance of seeing everyone as sharing equal dignity and moral worth, pointing out the societal divisions based on race, gender, and ideology.
He also addressed the reality of pain within the Church, drawing from the pastoral perspective conveyed by Pope Francis—comparing the Church to a field hospital, there to heal and support those wounded by life's battles. Cardinal McElroy noted, "The only effective witness our Church can give to the world is to view every conflict surrounding us through the eyes of God."
A poignant moment during the homily reflected on the survival of the 33 miners trapped during the Copiapo mine incident—a dramatic rescue marked by hope and faith. The miners, caught in dire circumstances, did not lose hope, as self-organization and belief brought them through nearly 70 days underground. McElroy shared the words of one miner, Mario Gomez, emphasizing their reliance on God: "We had some terrible moments, but we placed our lives in the hands of God and knew God would find a way to stand with us.”
The Installation Mass not only underscored Cardinal McElroy’s call for universal mercy but also celebrated the richness of the Archdiocese’s diversity. Prayers were offered in multiple languages, including Spanish, Tagalog, Quechua, American Sign Language, and Igbo, highlighting the inclusive nature of the Church community. This diversity reflects the archdiocesan commitment to connecting with various cultural backgrounds and creating unity amid differences.
Concluding the Mass, Cardinal McElroy indicated his commitment to positively impacting the Archdiocese of Washington. He is scheduled to celebrate another Mass on March 16, 2025, at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, marking the official taking possession of his newfound leadership role.
The celebration of Cardinal McElroy’s installation signifies more than just the acceptance of responsibility; it heralds hopes of renewal and vigor within the Church. His clarion call for compassion and unity stands as a beacon for the faithful, urging them onwards as they heed God's call amid the world's fractured realities. The new archbishop's voyage of service began with strong affirmations of faith, community, and resilience, promising to be both fulfilling and transformational for the Archdiocese.