Pope's Power Play: Progressive Cardinal McElroy's D.C. Appointment Challenges Trump's Vatican Ambassador Pick

Paul Riverbank, 1/16/2025Pope Francis appoints progressive Cardinal McElroy to D.C., challenging Trump's Vatican ambassador pick.

The appointment comes at a particularly sensitive time, as McElroy — known for his vocal criticism of former President Donald Trump's immigration policies — assumes leadership in the nation's capital. This development has raised eyebrows, especially considering Trump's announcement to appoint Brian Burch, who leads a conservative Catholic political group, as ambassador to the Vatican.

The historical significance of cardinals' involvement in secular politics cannot be understated. From the medieval period to modern times, these religious leaders have wielded considerable influence beyond church walls. As one medieval specialist notes, "cardinals serving as bishops in their own countries can play an important part in shaping public opinion."

The evolution of cardinal authority traces back to Christianity's early days, when the term "cardinal" — derived from the Latin "cardo" (hinge) and "cardinalis" (key or principal) — designated special advisers to the popes. Initially confined to Roman deacons, the role expanded to include priests and bishops, eventually becoming a powerful force in both religious and secular spheres.

Throughout history, cardinals have demonstrated remarkable political acumen. Take Thomas Wolsey, who rose from humble origins to become Lord Chancellor of England under Henry VIII, or the influential French Cardinals Richelieu and Mazarin, who effectively governed France during the 17th century.

Pope Francis's tenure has marked a significant shift in the College of Cardinals' composition. Through ten consistories, he has appointed a majority of the cardinals under 80 — those eligible to elect his successor — while deliberately expanding geographical representation. Recent appointments include cardinals from the Ivory Coast, Ukraine, and a Chilean-born archbishop of Palestinian descent, reflecting Francis's commitment to diversifying church leadership.

The modern cardinal's role remains multifaceted. While some focus on pastoral ministry as bishops or archbishops, others serve in Vatican bureaucracy. Their influence extends far beyond religious matters, as evidenced by McElroy's appointment and its political implications.

As one Vatican observer notes, "These new cardinals contribute new and, perhaps, challenging perspectives to the once-heavily European College of Cardinals." This diversity suggests a future where Catholic leadership may increasingly engage with — and potentially challenge — both religious and secular power structures.

The appointment of McElroy to Washington, D.C., therefore, represents more than a simple administrative change. It signals the continuing evolution of the Catholic Church's role in modern politics — a development that promises to shape both religious and secular discourse in the years to come.

In a significant move that underscores the complex interplay between religious authority and political influence, Pope Francis has appointed Cardinal Robert McElroy to head the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. — a decision that has sparked considerable discussion about the evolving role of Catholic leadership in American politics.The appointment comes at a particularly sensitive time, as McElroy — known for his vocal criticism of former President Donald Trump's immigration policies — assumes leadership in the nation's capital. This development has raised eyebrows, especially considering Trump's announcement to appoint Brian Burch, who leads a conservative Catholic political group, as ambassador to the Vatican.The historical significance of cardinals' involvement in secular politics cannot be understated. From the medieval period to modern times, these religious leaders have wielded considerable influence beyond church walls. As one medieval specialist notes, "cardinals serving as bishops in their own countries can play an important part in shaping public opinion."The evolution of cardinal authority traces back to Christianity's early days, when the term "cardinal" — derived from the Latin "cardo" (hinge) and "cardinalis" (key or principal) — designated special advisers to the popes. Initially confined to Roman deacons, the role expanded to include priests and bishops, eventually becoming a powerful force in both religious and secular spheres.Throughout history, cardinals have demonstrated remarkable political acumen. Take Thomas Wolsey, who rose from humble origins to become Lord Chancellor of England under Henry VIII, or the influential French Cardinals Richelieu and Mazarin, who effectively governed France during the 17th century.Pope Francis's tenure has marked a significant shift in the College of Cardinals' composition. Through ten consistories, he has appointed a majority of the cardinals under 80 — those eligible to elect his successor — while deliberately expanding geographical representation. Recent appointments include cardinals from the Ivory Coast, Ukraine, and a Chilean-born archbishop of Palestinian descent, reflecting Francis's commitment to diversifying church leadership.The modern cardinal's role remains multifaceted. While some focus on pastoral ministry as bishops or archbishops, others serve in Vatican bureaucracy. Their influence extends far beyond religious matters, as evidenced by McElroy's appointment and its political implications.As one Vatican observer notes, "These new cardinals contribute new and, perhaps, challenging perspectives to the once-heavily European College of Cardinals." This diversity suggests a future where Catholic leadership may increasingly engage with — and potentially challenge — both religious and secular power structures.The appointment of McElroy to Washington, D.C., therefore, represents more than a simple administrative change. It signals the continuing evolution of the Catholic Church's role in modern politics — a development that promises to shape both religious and secular discourse in the years to come.