Cardinal Robert McElroy has been appointed as the new Archbishop of Washington, succeeding Cardinal Wilton Gregory. This appointment comes amid a swirl of controversies surrounding McElroy’s career, as well as ongoing debates within the Catholic Church over its direction under Pope Francis. The move also signals a critical juncture in the Vatican’s engagement with the shifting political landscape in the United States, particularly in relation to the legacy of Donald Trump’s presidency.
Cardinal McElroy’s rise within the hierarchy of the Church has not been without its share of contention. Known for his outspoken views on topics such as climate change, immigration, and synodality, McElroy has often been portrayed as a progressive figure within the Church. While a select few praise his alignment with Pope Francis’s emphasis on pastoral care and social justice, critics argue that his approach has occasionally come at the expense of doctrinal clarity.
Perhaps the most notable controversy stems from his handling of sexual abuse allegations during his tenure in San Diego. While McElroy has publicly condemned abuse within the Church and called for greater accountability, his critics accuse him of failing to take sufficiently decisive action in certain cases. Furthermore, his stance on the reception of the Eucharist by pro-choice politicians has drawn sharp criticism from more traditional Catholics, who view his openness to dialogue on the issue as a dilution of the Church’s pro-life stance.
Most significantly, there are his ties to disgraced Cardinal McCarrick.
The appointment of McElroy as Archbishop of Washington takes place in the broader context of Pope Francis’s efforts to reshape the Church’s relationship with the United States, a country whose Catholic community is deeply polarised. This dynamic was particularly evident during the presidency of Donald Trump, whose policies on immigration and climate change often clashed with the Vatican’s priorities. While Pope Francis avoided direct confrontation with Trump, his subtle critiques of nationalism and economic protectionism were widely interpreted as rebukes of Trump-era policies.
In choosing McElroy, the Pope has once again underscored his preference for leaders who prioritise inclusivity, social justice, and dialogue. This appointment can also be read as a strategic move to counterbalance the influence of conservative Catholic figures in the U.S., many of whom were prominent supporters of Trump and have voiced scepticism towards Francis’s papacy. As the Archbishop of Washington, McElroy will play a crucial role in shaping the Church’s public posture in the nation’s capital, particularly as it pertains to engaging with political leaders.
As McElroy takes up his new role, the challenges he faces are immense. Beyond the controversies of his past, he must navigate the fraught political and cultural landscape of Washington, D.C., while striving to unify a divided Catholic community.
The majority of people speaking publicly on the issue are aghast that McElroy has been appointed, while a small number have expressed joy, such as Fr. James Martin.
