Pope Francis has appointed Cardinal Robert McElroy as the new Archbishop of Washington, DC, marking a significant shift in the Vatican’s leadership as the 70-year-old Cardinal takes over from Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the first African-American Archbishop of Washington, CNN reported.
McElroy, known for his outspoken defence of migrants and critique of Donald Trump’s administration, has been a strong proponent of the Pope’s priorities, particularly in relation to refugees, environmental issues, and LGBTQ inclusion within the Church.
He will succeed Gregory, 77, who has served as archbishop since 2019.
McElroy, who holds advanced degrees in political science and theology, has been a vocal critic of Trump’s policies on immigration and refugees.
In 2017, shortly after Trump took office, McElroy delivered a speech in Modesto, California, urging Catholics to resist anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies.
He described the situation as a “profound sickness in the soul of American political life” and urged the Catholic community to act in solidarity with vulnerable groups.
The appointment of McElroy, alongside Brambilla’s groundbreaking role, signals Pope Francis’ continued efforts to promote inclusivity within the Church.
Church historian Massimo Faggioli, who closely follows the Francis papacy, described McElroy’s appointment as a “bold move,” particularly with its timing on the anniversary of the January 6th US Capitol attack and in the lead-up to the inauguration of the second Trump administration.
McElroy’s appointment is seen as aligning with the Pope’s approach to tackling issues like migration and protecting society’s most vulnerable members, and as a counterpoint to Trump’s approach to these issues.
The Pope’s decision comes at a time when the relationship between the Vatican and the US is in the spotlight, with Trump having nominated a critic of the Pope as his ambassador to the Vatican.
