Pope Francis appoints liberal Cardinal Wilton Gregory's successor, signaling a message to Donald Trump. The appointment of Cardinal McElroy, known for his criticism of Trump and conservative elements within the Church, is seen as a short-term move that aligns with the remainder of Trump's presidency.
It is hard to think of another American Catholic bishop more liberal than McElroy, who has been an outspoken critic of Trump dating back to his first term in office. The cardinal has also been harshly critical of the more conservative elements of the Catholic Church in the United States and has derided Trump for his desire to curtail illegal immigration.
Pope Francis’s decision to appoint McElroy to replace the 77-year-old Cardinal Wilton Gregory is, more than anything, a clear message to Trump. Faced with the opportunity to appoint a long-term replacement who could lead the diocese for the better part of two decades, the pope opted for a short-term appointment that will almost perfectly match Trump’s term in office.
This is what makes McElroy such an unusual choice. At the age of 70, he is already among the American Catholic Church’s senior leaders. He will turn 71 years old in February, meaning it will be only four years until he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 75, the same length of Trump’s term in office.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York, will reach the mandatory retirement age next month after having led the archdiocese for 16 years. Cardinal Sean Patrick O’Malley served as the archbishop of Boston for 21 years until his 2024 retirement at the age of 80. Cardinal Blase Cupich, who was reportedly instrumental in the pope’s decision to appoint McElroy, has served as the archbishop of Chicago since 2014.
McElroy also brings enormous baggage to Washington, D.C. In 2016, he dismissed concerns that then-cardinal Theodore McCarrick, the former archbishop of the nation’s capital, engaged in sexual abuse. Two years later, the extent of McCarrick’s abuse was exposed, and he was stripped of his position as a cardinal and laicized. McCarrick would later face criminal charges for his abuse.
Pope Francis Cardinal Mcelroy Donald Trump Catholic Church Washington D.C.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Pope Francis Appoints Progressive Cardinal to Head Washington ArchdiocesePope Francis appointed Cardinal Robert McElroy as the archbishop of Washington, D.C. McElroy, known for his progressive views, replaces Cardinal Wilton Gregory. This appointment comes at a time of political and social change in the United States.
Read more »
Pope Francis Appoints Progressive Cardinal Robert McElroy as Washington ArchbishopPope Francis appoints Cardinal Robert McElroy as the new archbishop of Washington, D.C., emphasizing his progressive views and aligning with his vision for the Catholic Church.
Read more »
Pope Francis Appoints Progressive Cardinal McElroy as Archbishop of Washington, D.C.Pope Francis has appointed Cardinal Robert McElroy of San Diego as the new archbishop of Washington, D.C., selecting a progressive ally to lead the Catholic Church in the U.S. capital ahead of President-elect Trump's administration.
Read more »
Pope Francis Appoints Liberal Cardinal as Washington Archbishop Amidst Catholic Church DivisionsPope Francis appointed Cardinal Robert McElroy, a vocal critic of Donald Trump's immigration policies and advocate for LGBTQ inclusion in the Catholic Church, as the next archbishop of Washington, D.C. This appointment highlights the growing divide within the Catholic Church between liberal and conservative factions, particularly concerning Trump's policies.
Read more »
Pope Francis Appoints Progressive Cardinal to Washington ArchdiocesePope Francis has appointed Cardinal Robert McElroy, a known progressive, as the new archbishop of Washington. This comes at the start of Donald Trump's second administration and follows the retirement of Cardinal Wilton Gregory.
Read more »
Pope Francis Appoints San Diego Cardinal to Head Washington ArchdiocesePope Francis has appointed Cardinal Robert McElroy, head of the San Diego Catholic Diocese, to lead the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. starting in March. McElroy, a known advocate for migrants and LGBTQ+ communities, takes on this prominent role as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to implement policies that may affect these groups.
Read more »