Posted on 01/08/2025 2:45:16 PM PST by ebb tide
During his episcopate in San Diego, McElroy adopted positions that have drawn criticism even from more moderate Catholics. A notable example was his decision in September 2024 to ban the use of parish facilities for Catholic homeschool groups, an act of unprecedented arrogance that tramples on the Church's traditional defense of parents' educational freedom, replacing it with a shameful complicity towards anti-Catholic ideologies. Simultaneously, the diocese has shown a surprising (but not too surprising) openness towards LGBTQ+ groups and environmental movements, marking a clear preference for the currently prevailing progressive and neo-modernist agenda. McElroy has distinguished himself as a fervent supporter of so-called "climate justice" and the welcoming of migrants. The proclamation of the faith and the defense of Catholic doctrine seem to be eclipsed. Moreover, these very issues have been strongly criticized by the new U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, Brian Burch.
As if that weren't enough, McElroy has expressed support for the female diaconate, a topic that continues to spark debate within the universal Church, despite the infallible condemnation by the Church (most recently by John Paul II in Ordinatio Sacerdotalis). He has also maintained a hostile stance towards traditional liturgy, aligning with the recent restrictions imposed by the motu proprio Traditionis Custodes. These pastoral choices, combined with delays in handling cases of sexual abuse by priests in his diocese, have undermined the trust of many faithful in his leadership.
The appointment of McElroy also raises broader questions about Pope Francis' pontificate and his handling of the LGBT issue within the Church.
The appointment of McElroy also raises broader questions about Pope Francis' pontificate and his handling of the LGBT issue within the Church. On one hand, the Pope has repeatedly denounced the existence of a gay lobby within the Vatican, calling it a threat to the Church. On the other hand, he has systematically promoted prelates who seem to support this same agenda. This is certainly the case with McElroy, who has distinguished himself for his support of transgender people and his open endorsement of initiatives that, under the guise of inclusivity, aim to subvert the Church's perennial doctrine
The contradiction becomes even more evident in light of an episode that occurred last October, when some participants in a private meeting between the Pope and the pro-LGBT group New Ways Ministry reported that Francis had indicated openness towards transgender people as a "criterion for the appointment of new bishops in the United States." The promotion of McElroy seems to confirm this direction, causing dismay among Catholics faithful to the traditional magisterium.
The appointment of McElroy fits into a broader strategy: Pope Francis' attempt to support the (dying) generation of American Catholics linked to post-conciliar progressivism. In recent years, the Pope has sought to promote bishops and cardinals who embody this vision, such as Blase Cupich (Metropolitan Archbishop of Chicago). However, these prelates have not succeeded in reversing the conservative majority within the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, nor in generating significant popular support for their cause.
Moreover, internal divisions within progressive currents have further weakened this strategy. Global geopolitical tensions, particularly the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East, have divided progressives between those who support military intervention alongside Zionist powers and those who adopt radically pacifist or at least isolationist positions.
McElroy is also known for being one of the main promoters of synodality in the American Church.
McElroy is also known for being one of the main promoters of synodality in the American Church. This vision, which emphasizes dialogue and the participation of all the faithful in decision-making processes, has been presented as a "response to the challenges of our time." However, we know well that under the banner of synodality, there are attempts to reform the structure and essence of the Church in a way that is incompatible with its two-thousand-year-old Tradition (see also HERE, and HERE). These proposals, although presented as pastoral innovations, would further fuel divisions and confusion among the faithful and contradict the perennial doctrine, including canon law.
For these reasons, the appointment of Robert Walter McElroy as Metropolitan Archbishop of Washington represents another step in Pope Francis' strategy to promote a progressive vision within the Catholic Church, particularly the American one. Perhaps because, more than elsewhere, the US Church seems more anchored to Tradition and conservatism: at certain historical moments, the distance from Rome seems like a true blessing!
This decision risks exacerbating existing tensions, fueling dissent among the faithful, and further weakening the unity of the Church. In the face of this situation, Catholics are called to deep discernment, courageously upholding the truth of the Gospel and praying for a Church that, while remaining faithful to its Tradition, knows how to face the challenges of our time without compromise. Now more than ever, a return to fidelity to the perennial Magisterium and renewed attention to the evangelizing mission is necessary, which cannot be sacrificed on the altar of progressivism or passing trends.
Ping
Yeah, what happens when you elect a Communist to be Pope instead of a Roman Catholic.
Maranatha!
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