Bishop Joseph E. Strickland: Bishop Strickland Calls on Holy See to ‘Reconsider’ Appointment of Cardinal McElroy to DC

Editor’s note: The following is a statement from Bishop Joseph Strickland on the appointment of Cardinal Robert McElroy to the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., first published on March 13, 2025, on Strickland’s Facebook page.

Any bishop or cardinal who has enabled abuse, minimized its severity, or failed to act decisively to protect victims must be held accountable – not elevated to positions of greater authority.

(LifeSiteNews) — As shepherds of Christ’s flock, bishops are called to be vigilant in safeguarding the integrity of the Church and the souls entrusted to our care. It is with deep concern and a profound sense of duty that I address the appointment of Cardinal Robert McElroy to Washington, D.C., a decision that raises serious moral and pastoral questions.

The grave scandals of abuse and their cover-up have wounded the Body of Christ, and trust in the hierarchy has been deeply shaken. The faithful have the right to demand accountability, transparency, and leadership rooted in truth and justice. The placement of any prelate with a history of failing in these areas – particularly in one of the most influential sees in the country – risks furthering the erosion of trust at a time when the Church desperately needs to heal and to stand firm in her witness to Christ. …

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