Official statements from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops or major news reports

Pope Francis Appoints Progressive Trump Critic McElroy as Washington Archbishop Before Trump's Inauguration

Jan 6, 2025, 11:52 AM

Pope Francis has appointed Cardinal Robert McElroy, a 70-year-old vocal critic of Donald Trump and a progressive ally, as the new archbishop of Washington, D.C. McElroy, who has been the bishop of San Diego since 2015, will succeed Cardinal Wilton Gregory, who is retiring at the age of 77, two years beyond the normal retirement age for bishops. The appointment comes days before Trump's second inauguration. McElroy has criticized Trump's policies, particularly his mass deportation campaign, and has called for Catholics to actively oppose such measures. Known for his progressive stance, McElroy supports a more inclusive approach towards the LGBTQ+ community and has questioned the U.S. bishops' focus on abortion as their primary concern, advocating for greater attention to issues like racism, poverty, immigration, and climate change. The appointment is seen as a bold move by Pope Francis, especially given its timing on the fourth anniversary of the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.