Pope Francis has appointed Cardinal Robert McElroy, bishop of San Diego, as the new archbishop of Washington, D.C., marking a significant shift within the Catholic Church's leadership just as Donald Trump begins his second term as president. The announcement was made by the Vatican on the feast of the Epiphany, highlighting not just McElroy's appointment but also the historical significance of Italian Sister Simona Brambilla becoming the first woman to head one of the Vatican's dicasteries.
At 70, McElroy succeeds Cardinal Wilton Gregory, who has stepped down at the age of 77, two years past the standard retirement age for bishops. Gregory played a pivotal role during his tenure, guiding the Archdiocese through challenges related to clerical sexual abuse scandals and serving as the first African American cardinal.
McElroy's appointment signals Pope Francis's intent to continue his reform agenda within the U.S. Church. Notably, McElroy is seen as one of the pontiff's closest allies, particularly on progressive issues like immigration, social justice, and inclusion of marginalized communities such as the LGBTQ+ faithful. He has firmly criticized the exclusion of pro-choice politicians from Communion, asserting, “Bishops must be pastors, not politicians,” reflecting Francis's sentiment against using the Eucharist as a political weapon.
Academics and church leaders have praised McElroy’s track record, with Natalia Imperatori-Lee from Manhattan University describing him as “competent, kind, empathetic, and willing to fight on the side of the vulnerable.” McElroy's background includes doctorates in both theology and political science, along with significant pastoral experience—traits seen as invaluable for his new role.
The timing of McElroy's appointment, arriving shortly before Trump's inauguration, adds to its complexity. While Trump is known for his hard-line immigration policies, McElroy has openly opposed mass deportation, calling such plans “incompatible with Catholic doctrine.” At his introductory press conference, he reiterated his commitment to the dignity of all human beings, stating, “We are called always to have the sense of the dignity of every human person.” This is poised to create tension between McElroy’s pastoral approach and Trump's policies.
The Archdiocese of Washington serves over half a million Catholics across the District of Columbia and parts of Maryland, facing its own challenges of reconciling church teachings with societal issues. McElroy’s arrival is seen as timely, especially as the U.S. navigates deep political divisions and extensive discourse on immigration reform. McElroy has consistently emphasized the need for the church to adopt more inclusive practices, passionately advocating for the rights of immigrants, and speaking against xenophobia.
His recent remarks, highlighting the importance of empathy, unite under the banner of Pope Francis's call for “radical inclusion.” “Todos, todos, todos” (Everyone, everyone, everyone), he exclaimed, addressing Washington's Latino community, underscoring his commitment to making everyone feel welcome within the church.
Previous leaders of the archdiocese have experienced scandal, with former cardinal Theodore McCarrick's downfall casting shadows on the diocese's credibility. McElroy’s role is seen as not only to provide stability but also to lead healing within the congregation as they grapple with the past and seek to focus on pressing social issues affecting their communities.
Also noteworthy is the concurrent news of Sister Brambilla's historic appointment, reflecting Francis's broader intentions for gender inclusion within church leadership. Both leaders are on the forefront of what many believe to be shifts toward modernization and responsiveness to contemporary social justice issues.
Academics discuss the ramifications of McElroy's dual degrees as he steps up to navigate these turbulent waters, especially against Trump's administration, which has hired individuals known for their opposition to some of the Church's, particularly Francis's, positions. Michael Sean Winters of the National Catholic Reporter aptly notes McElroy's intellectual rigor, claiming he is uniquely qualified to address the intersection of public life and Catholic theology. “There’s only one bishop in America who has thought deeply about the intersection of public life and Catholic theology, and that's Bob McElroy,” he points out, affirming the challenge to articulate Catholic teachings' relevance to pressing political issues.
Though McElroy's impact on legislative outcomes might be limited, his role is pivotal as the Catholic Church adapts to the changing American socio-political backdrop. “The archbishop of the nation’s capital has the opportunity to bring Catholic principles to national conversations,” states Kim Daniels, emphasizing the unique position McElroy holds. “His record of advocating for the poor and vulnerable provides integral counterbalance to the prevailing atmosphere.”
While it remains uncertain how McElroy will manage the pressing issues before him, his appointment is undoubtedly historic, serving as both an endorsement of Francis's vision for the Church and as a reminder of the complex relationship between faith and politics. The upcoming years promise significant engagement from McElroy as he seeks to serve his community and uphold the teachings of the Church amid the challenges poised by the incoming administration.