Cardinal Designate Robert McElroy holds First

Cardinal Designate Robert McElroy conducts his first mass appearance since the appointment of his new part in the universal church. (Photo taken by the SD Catholic Diocese from the CBS8 website)

Cardinal Designate Robert McElroy conducts his first mass appearance since the appointment of his new part in the universal church on June 04 at the gymnasium of Cathedral Catholic High School.

The CBS8 news report on June 04 stated that San Diego Roman Catholic leaders held their yearly multicultural mass to celebrate diversity. This service is where the Catholic Diocese of San Diego and attendees meet together to give respect to immigrants worldwide in catholic unity.

While it was already a proud event, having Cardinal Designate, Robert McElroy added to their celebration. They noted that McElroy said Pope Francis chose him because of San Diego’s border community and that his part will be to assist refugees in crisis.

“I have been pretty vocal about inclusivity, especially on immigration and refugee issues,” McElroy said in an interview.

Besides, individuals from Samoa, Portugal, Ukraine, Mexico, and 12 other nations presented their cultures. The said event is also to give honor to Ukraine. Congregations were praying for those who had lost loved ones because of the war.

McElroy mentioned that the event was for the feast of Pentecost. He said it was an incredible moment for their church and the two counties to gather together.

Amazed, Surprised

The San Diego Bishop was one of the 21 new cardinals named by Pope Francis, as reported on the CBS8 news website on May 29. The news added that McElroy was the only one selected from the United States.

Moreover, the news report revealed that McElroy had been San Diego’s bishop since 2015. He is also the president of the California Catholic Conference. It is the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in California, as posted on the website.

McElroy stated in an interview that he was amazed and astonished that Pope Francis had assigned him to the College of Cardinals. He said that his prayer is that he might be of additional service in this new ministry. He also asked God to help him assist the Holy Father in his pastoral renewal of the Church. The newly appointed cardinal also extended his gratitude to those who helped him and his priesthood.

The same news revealed that McElroy would receive the reputable red cardinal’s hat from Pope Francis in a consistory ceremony at the Vatican on Aug.27.

Why Him

In another news report from the Catholic News Agency, McElroy stated why the pope had chosen him as a cardinal. He said he believes the pope desires to have a cardinal from the West Coast. McElroy added in his interview that the pope is very concerned about migrants and refugees. Since he is a diocese on the border, he deals with all those issues, and his area has many migrants.

In addition, McElroy mentioned his part in several of Pope Francis’ efforts, which might have been an additional factor. He named the pope’s 2015 encyclical Laudato si’, specifically. This program is about care for creation and the environment, he added. He also emphasized his participation in what he describes as Pope Francis’ “pastoral re-orientation of the Church both internally and to the wider society.”