Pope Francis Appoints San Diego Cardinal to DC
In a widely expected move, Pope Francis has appointed San Diego Cardinal Robert McElroy to lead the Catholic Church in Washington D.C. Cardinal McElroy, known for his vocal criticism of former President Donald Trump and his call for “disruptors” within the Church hierarchy, will be the spiritual leader of over half a million Catholics in the nation’s capital.
The appointment comes at a time when the Catholic Church in the United States is grappling with deep divisions within its ranks over issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage and the role of women in the Church. Cardinal McElroy’s progressive stance on these issues and his open criticism of Trump have drawn both praise and criticism from different quarters of the Church.
A Controversial Figure
Cardinal McElroy, 67, has been a controversial figure within the Catholic Church. He has openly called for the Church to be more accepting of LGBTQ members and has criticized the Church’s focus on abortion, calling for a broader view of life issues that includes poverty, climate change, and nuclear disarmament. 
In 2017, he attracted nationwide attention when he called for anti-Trump “disruptors” within the Church to resist the then President’s policies on immigration and climate change. “We must disrupt those who seek to rob our medical care…we must disrupt those who would take away the dignity of our immigrant brothers and sisters,” he said in a speech at a gathering of progressive Catholics.
McElroy’s Role in DC
As the leader of the Catholic Church in Washington D.C., Cardinal McElroy will play a crucial role in shaping the Church’s relations with the U.S. government. His progressive stances could potentially bring him into conflict with more conservative elements within the Church hierarchy.
However, his supporters believe that his appointment could help to bridge the deep divisions within the Church. “Cardinal McElroy’s vision of a Church that is inclusive, that cares for the poor and the marginalized, that speaks out on issues of social justice, is exactly what the Church in America needs at this time,” said Sister Simone Campbell, executive director of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice.
Reaction to the Appointment
While the appointment has been welcomed by progressive Catholics, it has been met with criticism from conservatives. Some have argued that Cardinal McElroy’s progressive stances are out of step with traditional Church teachings.
“Cardinal McElroy’s views on issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage are not in line with the teachings of the Catholic Church,” said Michael Hichborn, president of the Lepanto Institute, a conservative Catholic group. “His appointment is a sign that the Church is moving away from its traditional values.”
However, others have praised the Pope’s decision to appoint a leader who is not afraid to speak out on contentious issues. “Cardinal McElroy is a courageous leader who is not afraid to challenge the status quo,” said James Martin, a Jesuit priest and editor-at-large of America magazine. “His appointment is a sign that the Church is willing to engage in difficult conversations.”
The Vatican has not issued a statement on the appointment, which is customary. Nevertheless, the move is seen as a clear indication of Pope Francis’s commitment to a more progressive and inclusive Church.
Cardinal McElroy will officially take up his new role in Washington D.C. in the coming weeks, succeeding Cardinal Wilton Gregory, who was appointed as the first African American cardinal in the U.S. by Pope Francis last year.
