Pope names progressive ally Cardinal McElroy as Washington archbishop

Pope Francis on Monday appointed Cardinal Robert McElroy of San Diego, who is often described as a progressive, to the position of archbishop of Washington.

McElroy, 70, will take over for Cardinal Wilton Gregory, who at 77 is two years beyond the typical retirement age for bishops.

McElroy became bishop of San Diego, California's second-largest city, in 2015 and cardinal in 2022.

McElroy is among a minority of U.S. bishops who opposed denying communion to Catholic politicians who support abortion rights, according to the Associated Press. 

Francis holds the same position on the issue, saying he has never denied anyone Communion.