In a significant ecclesiastical shift, San Diego's Cardinal Robert W. McElroy is set to become the Archbishop of Washington, succeeding Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory, who enters retirement, FOX 5 San Diego reported. Cardinal McElroy, after a decade in San Diego, will take his leave this Sunday, embarking on his new role next month, his installation following the temporary appointment of a Diocesan Administrator to steward San Diego until a fresh bishop is named.
"I have never in my life felt more welcomed, more supported or more rewarded than I felt sharing my ministry with the priests, the women religious, and the faithful parishioners of our diocese. I cannot thank you enough," Cardinal McElroy expressed via The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego report, reflecting on his time in San Diego in a statement obtained by The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego, even as he admitted he once thought he might conclude his service within the warm embrace of San Diego's community.
A vocal figure on contentious debates such as immigration and ICE operations, McElroy's legacy includes his firm stance on issues impacting the free worship and education within his diocese. "It acts as a deterrent to those going to church and freely worshipping or going to schools, and we are seeing it at schools," said Cardinal McElroy, according to FOX 5 San Diego, who also highlighted the diocese's collective rosary for Pope Francis' health just this week.
With the Pope's directive came McElroy's acknowledgment of the perpetual mission of the church, stating, "In about a year, a new bishop will be appointed to San Diego. There’s a lot left unfinished business because the mission of church is never done," he told FOX 5 San Diego, his words echoing the faith-driven commitment to social matters like COVID-19 and an enduring call for compassion within society.
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