Pope's Appointment of Washington Archbishop Signals Tensions with Trump Administration

Monday 13 January 2025 - 11:07

In a move that may heighten tensions with the incoming Trump administration, Pope Francis appointed Cardinal Robert McElroy as the new Archbishop of Washington, DC. McElroy, known for his progressive stances, previously opposed efforts by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to shut down a Catholic charity offering aid to undocumented migrants. This decision places McElroy in direct opposition to the Trump administration's hardline stance on immigration.

McElroy, a Harvard and Stanford graduate, is seen as one of Pope Francis’s closest allies in North America. The appointment was made on January 6, the anniversary of the Capitol insurrection, and is expected to amplify McElroy’s voice in the corridors of US power, including the White House, Congress, and the Supreme Court.

While McElroy's intellectual depth and calm demeanor allow him to address contentious issues, his position on immigration stands in stark contrast to that of the right-wing forces gaining influence in the US. Steve Bannon, former Trump adviser, warned that McElroy’s advocacy for immigrant rights would lead to a clash with the administration's deportation policies. Bannon also predicted that Catholic charities could face investigations for their involvement in aiding undocumented immigrants.

McElroy’s recent comments on deportations, stating that mass expulsions would contradict Catholic teachings, further demonstrate the divide between the Vatican and Trump’s policies. Meanwhile, Trump appointed Brian Burch, a vocal critic of Pope Francis, as US Ambassador to the Vatican, signaling ongoing opposition between the two sides. Burch's appointment was hailed by conservatives but criticized by those supporting the Pope's vision.

As the situation evolves, Vatican observers speculate that Pope Francis may also make strategic moves regarding the Archdiocese of New York, potentially reshaping the Catholic landscape in the US even further.