In a significant move, Pope Francis has selected Cardinal Robert McElroy, a prominent progressive voice within the Catholic Church, to lead the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. This appointment, announced by the Vatican, sees McElroy, 70, succeeding Cardinal Wilton Gregory, who is retiring at 77.

McElroy's elevation to this influential position comes as no surprise, given Pope Francis's previous support. The Pope appointed McElroy as Bishop of San Diego in 2015 and further elevated him to Cardinal in 2022. McElroy expressed gratitude for the appointment while acknowledging his fondness for his decade-long service in San Diego.

Cardinal Robert Walter McElroy attends a reception at the Vatican on Aug. 27, 2022. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File)

McElroy's past includes outspoken criticism of the Trump administration's policies, particularly on immigration and border security. During Trump's first term, McElroy called for disruption against those seeking to deport undocumented individuals and separate families. He also criticized the portrayal of refugees and Muslims. Later, he condemned Trump's border wall as a symbol of division.

Within the Church, McElroy has been a vocal opponent of denying communion to Catholic politicians who support abortion rights, a stance that aligns with Pope Francis's views. He has also questioned the U.S. bishops' conference's prioritization of abortion over other social justice issues like racism, poverty, immigration, and climate change. Furthermore, McElroy has shown support for LGBTQ+ youth and condemned the bullying they often face.

Newly named Cardinal Robert Walter McElroy during a press conference at the Vatican on Aug. 27, 2022. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File)

This appointment comes shortly after President-elect Trump nominated Brian Burch, a critic of Pope Francis, as the U.S. ambassador to the Holy See. Burch has publicly questioned some of the Pope's policies and raised concerns about the Catholic Church's handling of FBI investigations into certain parishes.

The FBI's involvement with the Catholic Church has drawn scrutiny, particularly regarding alleged sexual abuse of minors. The Archdiocese of Washington, which McElroy will now oversee, previously released a list of priests credibly accused of child sex abuse, although they stated no such incidents had occurred in nearly two decades.

Cardinal Robert Walter McElroy speaks during a press conference at the Vatican on Aug. 27, 2022. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File)

Pope Francis's decision precedes his final meeting with President Biden, who affirmed that the Pope supported his continued reception of Communion despite his stance on abortion.

The Archdiocese of Washington encompasses the District of Columbia and five Maryland counties, serving a substantial Catholic population.