I'm deeply troubled by the recent appointment of Cardinal Robert McElroy as the new Chancellor of The Catholic University of America and Archbishop of Washington, D.C. While I respect his pastoral qualifications, his positions on key issues raise serious questions about his alignment with Church teachings.
Cardinal McElroy has publicly downplayed the Church's teaching that abortion is a "preeminent priority" in Catholic social doctrine. In 2020, he argued that emphasizing abortion in this way constitutes a "grave disservice" to Catholics, suggesting instead that climate change poses a greater threat to humanity. While climate change is undeniably important, equating or subordinating the moral urgency of abortion is troubling. Such a stance dilutes the Church's unequivocal defense of life from conception to natural death.
Moreover, Cardinal McElroy has been an outspoken advocate for allowing pro-abortion politicians to receive communion, despite their public support for policies that contradict Church teaching on human life. He has described withholding communion in such cases as "weaponizing the Eucharist." This approach not only undermines accountability within the Church, but also sends a confusing message about the seriousness of abortion as an intrinsic evil.
As someone who believes deeply in the mission to advance authentic Catholic values, I am alarmed by what this leadership could mean for our institution's identity. Cardinal McElroy’s support for political trends over foundational moral truths seems incongruous with the mission of forming students in fidelity to Catholic teaching.
This year, I intend to pressure-test Cardinal McElroy’s governance and hold him accountable to our university’s commitment to life. Leadership at a Catholic institution must reflect not only intellectual rigor, but also unwavering fidelity to the Church's teachings. We cannot afford to compromise on issues as fundamental as the sanctity of life. Our community deserves clarity in defending Catholic principles, not accommodation to secular ideologies.
In the words of Archbishop Charles Chaput: “To state that [abortion] is ‘preeminent’ is not contrary to the teaching of the Pope… That isn’t true.”
We warmly welcome His Eminence Cardinal Robert McElroy as the new Archbishop of Washington and Chancellor of our University. With his deep commitment to synodality and solidarity, Cardinal McElroy brings a wealth of experience and scholarship to our community. We also extend heartfelt gratitude to His Eminence Cardinal Wilton Gregory for his inspiring leadership and unwavering dedication.
May God bless Cardinal Gregory in this new chapter of his life, and may He guide Cardinal McElroy as he begins his new mission.
Deputy Treasurer at City of Anchorage
2moCongratulations!