By Tyler Arnold
Washington D.C., Mar 11, 2025 / 20:25 pm
Cardinal Robert McElroy emphasized the importance of Christian hope, mercy, and respecting human dignity in a homily in the nation’s capital during his solemn installation Mass in which he assumed the role as the archbishop of the Archdiocese of Washington.
More than 100 priests, bishops, dozens of religious sisters, and hundreds of Catholic laity attended the Mass on Tuesday afternoon at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The basilica sits adjacent to the campus of The Catholic University of America in the Brookland neighborhood of the city.
McElroy is replacing Cardinal Wilton Gregory, who is retiring from his position at the age of 77.
“With jubilant hearts, we say ‘welcome,’” Gregory said during a brief speech before the Mass began, which yielded a round of applause from Mass-goers.
McElroy devoted his first homily as the archbishop of Washington to highlight the need for Christian hope, which is the theme of the 2025 Jubilee Holy Year. He also spoke at length about the importance of mercy, compassion, and respect for human dignity.
The cardinal called on Catholics to be “pilgrims of hope in a wounded world” and pointed to the hope displayed by St. Mary Magdalene in Tuesday’s Gospel reading.
Have you ever felt like your whole world was turned upside down, like everything you thought you knew was wrong? That’s exactly how Mary Magdalene felt when she arrived at Christ’s empty tomb, as recounted in John 20: 11-18.
She wept when she saw that His body was gone, but she didn’t lose hope. And her hope was not in vain, for she ultimately encountered the resurrected Christ.
Cardinal McElroy highlighted the importance of embracing the risen Lord, just like Mary Magdalene did. He emphasized Pope Francis’ message of mercy and compassion, reminding us that we are all in need of forgiveness and love.
“Mercy and compassion must be our first impulse when confronted with sin and human failure,” McElroy said. He urged us to see ourselves as we truly are, recognizing the boundless love of God and striving to be beacons of mercy to others.
He also emphasized the importance of recognizing the human dignity of every person, including the most vulnerable among us. The Church, he said, should be a beacon of hope and unity in a world that often sees division and despair.
The Mass celebrated by Cardinal McElroy was a beautiful display of unity, with prayers and readings in multiple languages. It was a reminder that God’s love knows no bounds, transcending language and culture.
