Pope Francis has appointed Robert McElroy as the new archbishop of Washington, D.C., a decision that many experts believe could heighten tensions between the Vatican and the Trump administration. Announcing this significant appointment on January 6th, the anniversary of the Capitol insurrection, underscores the potential for conflict between two influential forces. McElroy, known for standing firm against conservative policies, will now hold a pivotal position within the U.S. Catholic Church, amplifying his influence from the nation's capital.
The appointment of McElroy, one of Pope Francis's closest North American confidants, comes at a time when the U.S. political landscape is fraught with division and controversy. Known for his outspoken views, McElroy has challenged actions such as those by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who sought to close Annunciation House, a Catholic charity aiding undocumented migrants. Lower courts have rejected Paxton's efforts, but the case will soon be heard by the state's supreme court.
"A wider, indiscriminate, massive deportation across the country would be incompatible with Catholic doctrine." – Robert McElroy
In contrast to McElroy's progressive stance, Brian Burch, a staunch critic of Pope Francis and head of the conservative advocacy group CatholicVote, was appointed by former President Donald Trump as the U.S. ambassador to the Vatican. Burch claims to have delivered more Catholic votes to Trump than any other presidential candidate. His ties to Trump and financial backing from right-wing activist Leonard Leo, who donated over $1 million to CatholicVote, highlight a deep-rooted conservative influence within American Catholic circles.
Steve Bannon, a well-known Christian nationalist and adviser to Trump, has expressed concerns about Pope Francis's decision to appoint McElroy. Bannon believes this move places the Pope on a collision course with the incoming administration. He predicts potential criminal investigations by the Department of Justice into the church's role in aiding undocumented immigrants.
"Immediately you are going to have the Vatican, through their cardinal, trying to confront this." – Steve Bannon
"I believe this will lead to the actual technical bankruptcy of the church." – Steve Bannon
Massimo Faggioli, a leading scholar on Catholic Church matters, emphasizes McElroy's strategic placement in Washington, D.C., as a significant move by Pope Francis. McElroy's presence in the capital is expected to elevate his influence not only with the White House but also within Congress and the Supreme Court.
"He is Francis’s voice in many ways, and being in Washington DC elevates his voice. It is the place where power is brokered, and not just at the White House. In the Congress and the supreme court." – Massimo Faggioli
The appointment also raises questions about Pope Francis's broader strategy for influencing key regions within the United States. With Cardinal Timothy Dolan, seen as an ally of Trump, nearing retirement age in February, Vatican observers speculate whether Pope Francis might have further plans to shape other high-profile archdioceses, including New York in Trump's home state.
As tensions mount between progressive and conservative factions within both the church and U.S. politics, McElroy stands firm in his commitment to serving marginalized communities. His stance against widespread deportations aligns with Catholic teachings that advocate for compassion and support for those in need.
"We’re not talking about getting new people in the country, we are trying to make sure people are served and not out on the streets. People can demagogue it but we are trying to serve the people in front of us." – Jerome Wesevich