Hot Topics - Pope Appoints Trump Critic Cardinal McElroy As DC Archbishop | Revry

Pope Francis has appointed Cardinal Robert McElroy, a vocal advocate for migrants and LGBTQ inclusion, as the next Archbishop of Washington, DC. McElroy, will succeed Cardinal Wilton Gregory, 77, who is the first African-American to hold the position. The 70-year-old who is a critic of Donald Trump’s first administration, has strongly supported Pope Francis’ priorities on refugees, the environment, and social justice. Early in Trump’s presidency, he urged Catholics to oppose anti-immigrant policies, calling for “disruption” of actions that harm migrants and refugees. The appointment is seen as a signal of how the Vatican may approach a second Trump administration. McElroy, with doctorates in political science and theology, is expected to champion Catholic teaching on protecting vulnerable communities. In another historic move, Pope Francis appointed Sister Simona Brambilla as the first woman to lead a Vatican department.