With my brother priests and all the faithful in the Diocese of Arlington, I extend prayerful support to Cardinal Robert McElroy upon being named by Pope Francis as the Archbishop of Washington. This appointment reflects our Holy Father’s confidence in Cardinal McElroy’s pastoral and administrative abilities and gifts and recognizes his longstanding service to the Lord and his Church.
During my tenure as Bishop of Arlington, I have experienced firsthand the vital and distinctive roles that the Archdiocese of Washington and the Diocese of Arlington serve for the nation through the proclamation of the truth and joy of the Gospel. Cardinal McElroy's arrival as Archbishop of Washington in the Holy Year 2025 is an opportunity to implore God's grace to strengthen all of us in the virtue of hope, and renew our commitment to be witnesses and messengers of hope for our nation and all our brothers and sisters, especially those in need.
I also take this opportunity to thank Cardinal Gregory for his dedicated service as Archbishop of Washington and express gratitude for the opportunities we had to work together in service to God and his people. I assure Cardinal Gregory of my continued prayers and wish him much happiness and God’s abundant blessings, especially at this new moment in his life.
I look forward to collaborating with Cardinal McElroy as a brother bishop and neighbor and assure him and all those entrusted to his pastoral care of the prayers of God’s people in the Diocese of Arlington.
