08-05-2025
Cardinals with D.C. ties are picking the next pope
The conclave to elect a new pope is newly underway, and includes a cadre of cardinals with strong D.C. ties.
The big picture: Pope Francis' death put into motion a meticulous process that brings cardinals from across the globe to the Vatican for a historic vote on who will lead the Roman Catholic Church.
The intrigue: The individual chosen to replace Francis will be the 267th pope. While some scholars say an American pope is unlikely, two Catholic cardinals from the Archdiocese of Washington are considered among the leading contenders: Robert Walter McElroy, the current archbishop of Washington, and archbishop emeritus, Wilton Daniel Gregory.
Zoom in: At least five of the 135 electors who will vote on a new pope have studied, lived, and/or worked in the District, home to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington that claims 667,000 Catholic members, 140 parishes and 90 Catholic schools, including Catholic University.
Those include:
Robert Walter McElroy, archbishop of Washington
McElroy was appointed by Francis preceding his death earlier this year. A progressive leader and vocal ally of immigrants, women and the LGBTQ+ community, the Archbishop was installed at a critical time in Washington, and has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration's policies.
Wilton Daniel Gregory, archbishop emeritus of Washington
Gregory, the highest-ranking African American Catholic in U.S. history, became the first Black American to earn the rank of cardinal when he was appointed by Francis in 2020, and will be the first to vote for a pope.
Kevin Joseph Farrel l, interim Vatican manager
Farrel was incardinated into the Archdiocese of Washington in 1984, and held several positions at churches and charitable organizations around Washington. In 2002, he was appointed auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Washington, where he served for five years.
Blase Joseph Cupich, archbishop of Chicago
Cupich received his doctorate at Catholic University in 1987. Additionally, he served as secretary at the Apostolic Nunciature in D.C. from 1981-1987.
