Pope Francis names Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego as cardinal

The Vatican has announced that San Diego Bishop Robert McElroy, 68, has been appointed by Pope Francis to the College of Cardinals.  Cardinal-designate McElroy will be installed by Pope Francis in a consistory on Aug. 27 at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

“I am stunned and deeply surprised by the news that Pope Francis has appointed me to the College of Cardinals,” said Bishop McElroy. “My prayer is that in this ministry I might be of additional service to the God who has graced me on so many levels in my life. And I pray also that I can assist the Holy Father in his pastoral renewal of the Church.  In this moment, I give thanks for those who have contributed profoundly to my life and priesthood: my family, the priests and women religious who helped to form me, and the Catholic community of San Diego and Imperial Counties, whom it is my privilege to lead.”

Bishop McElroy currently serves as president of the California Catholic Conference (CCC), a post he has held since 2019. His work with the CCC stretches back to 2010. 

“We congratulate Cardinal-designate McElroy and wish him every blessing as he enters his new role for the Church,” said CCC Executive Director Kathleen Domingo. “As President of the CA Catholic Conference, Bishop McElroy brings his wisdom and pastoral concern for California’s people to the many challenges we face. We look forward to his continued leadership and invite all CA Catholics to join us in prayer for Cardinal-designate McElroy.”

Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops commented that by “naming Bishop Robert McElroy as a cardinal, Pope Francis has shown his pastoral care for the Church in the United States. His strong faith and the pastoral concern for the faithful he has shown in his diocese will serve the global Church well.”