Pope Francis has named Cardinal Robert McElroy, a progressive figure within the U.S. Catholic Church, as the new Archbishop of Washington, D.C. The appointment, announced Monday, marks a significant shift in leadership for the Archdiocese.
McElroy, 70, succeeds Cardinal Wilton Gregory, who retired due to age. This move comes just weeks after President-elect Donald Trump nominated a conservative figure, Brian Burch, as the U.S. ambassador to the Holy See.
The choice of McElroy is noteworthy given his outspoken views on social issues. He's been critical of efforts to exclude Catholic politicians who support abortion rights from Communion, a stance aligning with Pope Francis's own emphasis on pastoral guidance over political maneuvering.
Further highlighting his progressive viewpoints, McElroy has questioned the prioritization of abortion by U.S. bishops and advocated for greater attention to issues like racism, poverty, and immigration. He also voiced support for LGBTQ+ youth and the denouncement of bullying.
McElroy's appointment comes ahead of Pope Francis's final meeting with President Biden this week. Biden, who met with the Pope in 2021 and later received communion despite his pro-choice stance, has maintained a strong relationship with the Vatican.
The Archdiocese of Washington, encompassing the District of Columbia and five Maryland counties, has a significant Catholic population.
