Cardinal McElroy advocates for compassion in immigration policy

In recent discussions, Cardinal Robert McElroy, the incoming archbishop of Washington, D.C., emphasized the need for compassion in immigration policies in the United States. Speaking at a press conference in the Diocese of San Diego, he pointed out the challenges faced by migrants and the moral concerns surrounding the enforcement of immigration laws in places of worship. The increasing involvement of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in churches, initiated under the Trump administration, creates fear among communities and deters individuals from seeking refuge in these sacred spaces. McElroy, who has been the bishop of San Diego for over a decade, is set to replace retiring Cardinal Wilton Gregory. He expressed concern over the current portrayal of undocumented immigrants as criminals, which undermines their dignity and humanity. He believes that while national borders must be secured, policies should not cause harm to people fleeing repression, violence, and poverty. His remarks reflect a growing bipartisan recognition of the failures within the current immigration system. The archbishop highlighted that many members of his community in Washington, D.C. are immigrants from Central America, facing serious hardships as federal workers lose their jobs and struggle economically. McElroy’s pastoral approach focuses on offering moral guidance to society rather than engaging in political disputes. He argues that the church has a crucial role in advocating for humanitarian perspectives on immigration that align with the teachings of the Gospel. His connection with Pope Francis is significant, as McElroy noted that the topic of immigration has been central to their discussions. Francis's concern for migrants exemplifies a broader call for empathy within the Catholic Church. McElroy wishes to embody that same spirit of compassion during his tenure as archbishop. He is hopeful for a continued focus on building a welcoming community that celebrates diversity while addressing the necessary reforms within the broken U.S. immigration system.