Pope Francis Appoints Cardinal McElroy as Washington Archbishop

Pope Francis has appointed Cardinal Robert McElroy, a prominent advocate for migrants and critic of former President Donald Trump‘s immigration policies, as the next Archbishop of Washington, DC. The announcement, made on January 6, 2025, marks a significant shift in the leadership of the Catholic Church in the United States.

Cardinal McElroy, 70, is known for his alignment with Pope Francis’ priorities, including support for refugees, environmental stewardship, and inclusivity toward LGBTQ Catholics. He will succeed Cardinal Wilton Gregory, 77, who made history as the first African-American Archbishop of Washington, DC.

In a related move, Pope Francis also appointed Sister Simona Brambilla as the first female prefect of the Holy See‘s religious life office, which oversees nuns, monks, and friars. Brambilla, a former nurse and missionary, has a doctorate in psychology and previously served as the second-in-command at the Vatican office she will now lead.

Cardinal McElroy’s appointment is seen as a strong statement from the Vatican, particularly given his vocal opposition to Trump’s immigration policies during the former president’s first term. In a 2017 speech in Modesto, California, McElroy urged Catholics to resist anti-immigrant measures, calling on them to