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Cardinal Robert W. McElroy, soon to be installed in the Archdiocese of Washington, held a farewell press conference at the Diocese of San Diego Pastoral Center on February 27. During the event, he reflected on his tenure in San Diego and addressed questions about Pope Francis' health and his upcoming role in Washington.
“It has been a great grace for me being here, and part of my heart will always be here in San Diego,” Cardinal McElroy stated. He also mentioned receiving numerous inquiries about Pope Francis' health, noting that the pope resonates with many due to his message to the world. “There’s a lot of good will toward him and a lot of desire that his witness and his ministry continue for some years into the future,” he added.
The cardinal shared insights from his meetings with Pope Francis over the past decade. Appointed as bishop of San Diego in 2015 and elevated to cardinal in 2022 by Pope Francis, McElroy said, “He always asks about the border. … Every time I see him, he says, ‘How is the border? How is the situation with the migrants?’” He described Pope Francis as "a very strong-willed man" with a vision for where Christ is calling the church.
As of March 3, Pope Francis remained stable after being admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 for double pneumonia treatment. Cardinal McElroy praised the pope's joyful nature and tireless work ethic.
Regarding his new role in Washington, Cardinal McElroy emphasized it as primarily pastoral rather than political. He clarified that political engagement falls under the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' purview more than that of the Washington Archdiocese itself.
Reflecting on his time in San Diego, Cardinal McElroy expressed gratitude for what he called “a tremendous, joyous 10 years.” He cited three diocesan synods as highlights but noted regret over pandemic-related delays affecting young adult outreach initiatives.
The pandemic period was challenging yet revealing of people's heroism and sacrifice within society and the church. Despite churches closing for public worship during this time, local priests made efforts to connect with their communities while Catholic Charities organized emergency food distribution efforts.
“Even though it was a moment of tremendous suffering,” Cardinal McElroy remarked about the pandemic period, “it was a moment when we saw people so often at their best.”
Denis Grasska contributed reporting from The Southern Cross newspaper.
