SAN DIEGO —The Catholic Diocese of San Diego issued the following statement today:
At noon today Rome time (3 a.m. Pacific), the Vatican Press Office announced that Cardinal Robert W. McElroy, Bishop of San Diego, has been appointed the new Archbishop of Washington, DC, replacing Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory, who is retiring. Cardinal McElroy will be installed as Archbishop in March. At that time, a Diocesan Administrator will be appointed to oversee the San Diego diocese until a new bishop is appointed.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the Catholic community in our nation’s capital and for the confidence His Holiness has placed in me, but I have truly loved the last ten years I’ve spent as bishop of San Diego.
“I have never in my life felt more welcomed, more supported or more rewarded than I felt sharing my ministry with the priests, the women religious, and the faithful parishioners of our diocese. I cannot thank you enough.
“As I transition to my next assignment, know that I feel deeply blessed to have been part of this community and that the San Diego diocese will always have a special place in my heart.”
The announcement comes as the Cardinal approaches his tenth anniversary of leading the Diocese of San Diego. Read more about his leadership and history here.
