Pope Francis Picks a Progressive for DC's Top Church Job

On January 20, 2025, Pope Francis named Cardinal Robert McElroy as the new archbishop of Washington, D. C. This appointment, coinciding with Donald Trump's certification as the 2024 president-elect, sets the stage for potential friction. Cardinal McElroy, known for his inclusive views, supports the full participation of gay, divorced, and remarried Catholics in church life, as well as the ordination of women as deacons. His stance contrasts sharply with the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, who prioritize abortion as the top issue.

McElroy criticizes Trump's immigration policies, calling mass deportations incompatible with Catholic doctrine. He also advocates for addressing issues like racism, poverty, and climate change. Cardinal McElroy, a political scientist, sees tribalism as a threat to American democracy and aims to reunite Catholics across political divides. His critical views on Trump's policies could lead to a clash between the archbishop and the president.

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