Cardinal Robert McElroy, former bishop of San Diego, was installed as the new archbishop of Washington D.C. yesterday during a ceremony at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The event marked a new chapter for the archdiocese, with McElroy pushing for unity amidst the nation's polarization. The installation Mass was attended by local and federal officials, parishioners, and faith leaders, drawing a crowd that included both sides of the political spectrum, from Nancy Pelosi to Callista Gingrich, according to NBC Washington.
Amidst a backdrop of controversies, including the church's handling of sexual abuse cases, McElroy's homily highlighted the need for the church to see those we disagree with not as enemies but as "beloved children, brothers and sisters." With faith and love in his heart, he accepted the pastoral care of the people in the archdiocese, as reported by National Catholic Reporter. His reputation as a progressive leader was reinforced by his acknowledgment of ongoing challenges that the local communities face amidst federal employment cuts and immigration issues. As he takes command, McElroy inherits a diocese still grappling with the former archbishop Theodore McCarrick's haunting legacy of abuse.
Outside the basilica, protesters quietly expressed their opposition to McElroy and others in the church, but the focus inside remained steadfast on hope and reconciliation. Cardinal McElroy called for compassion toward immigrants and support for the LGBTQIA+ community, continuing his advocacy from his time in San Diego. Sharing his insight, McElroy stressed, "The poor and the migrant are daily dispossessed, and the dignity of the unborn is denied," as he lamented the stark contrast between the vision God wishes for humanity and the reality of our world, as recounted by National Catholic Reporter.
At his inauguration, where cards of bishops and faith leaders tightly packed the National Shrine, McElroy's message of hope resonated with parishioners. "It is a once in a lifetime that you see something like this," said Lisa Nguyen, highlighting the unique significance of the event, as interviewed by WUSA9. With more than 667,000 Catholics in the archdiocese facing job loss and immigration issues, McElroy's background in church inclusivity and immigration may become strengths in steering the diocese through these tumultuous times.
