Who Is Robert McElroy (cardinal)? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on February 5, 1954, Robert McElroy is a prominent figure in the Roman Catholic Church, currently serving as the Eighth Archbishop of Washington. His remarkable journey began in the humble surroundings of San Francisco and has evolved into a significant role within the Catholic hierarchy. He is widely respected for his progressive views on social issues and has garnered attention for his efforts in fostering dialogue within the Church and the community.
| Occupation | Writers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 5, 1954 |
| Age | 71 Years |
| Birth Place | San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Robert McElroy (cardinal)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As a cardinal, Robert McElroy upholds a dignified presence. While specific measurements such as height and weight aren't commonly publicized, it is known that he maintains a healthy lifestyle. His focus has always been more on spiritual and mental well-being rather than physical statistics.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As a member of the clergy, Robert McElroy has devoted his life to his religious responsibilities and does not publicly share information regarding romantic relationships or family connections in the way many public figures might. The expectations of celibacy within the Catholic Church dictate that he does not have a boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife. Instead, he refers to his congregation as his family, emphasizing service and dedication to his faith above all else.
In 2020, three weeks prior to the US presidential election, McElroy criticized those questioning Biden's personal Catholic faith based on his positions on abortion, characterizing "the public denial of candidates' identity as Catholics because of a specific policy position they have taken" as "an assault on the meaning of what it is to be Catholic.
" McElroy said that although acts of abortion are intrinsically evil, legislation about it is a matter of prudential judgement, though he noted that the commitment to reducing the numbers of abortions that occur "has been eviscerated in the Democratic Party in a capitulation to notions of privacy that simply block out the human identity and rights
of unborn children." McElroy stated that Catholic identity does not stand or fall on a single policy position.
Catholic social teaching and identity encompasses such things as solidarity, compassion, love for the church, and "having a grace-filled relationship with God".
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Robert McElroy's net worth remains a subject of speculation. While the financial details of cardinals and archbishops are not extensively documented, it is fair to assume that his earnings are primarily derived from his position within the Church, including a modest salary set for religious leaders, seminars, and publication revenues related to his extensive writings and speeches on theology and social justice.
Balancing the need for just compensation for victims of sexual abuse and the need to continue the Church’s mission of education, pastoral service and outreach to the poor and the marginalized, it was determined under McElroy's leadership that Chapter 11 reorganization—bankruptcy for the second time—would be the best way forward for the Diocese in 2024.
Career, Business and Investments
Robert McElroy’s career is characterized by a commitment to pastoral care and social justice. He previously served as the bishop of the Diocese of San Diego before his appointment as Archbishop of Washington. Throughout his career, he has been engaged in various initiatives concerning immigration reform, education, and healthcare, emphasizing the role of the Church in addressing contemporary societal challenges.
In addition to his ecclesiastical responsibilities, McElroy has engaged in various community business programs aimed at uplifting marginalized populations. While he doesn't publicly disclose investments, his focus remains steadfast on non-profit endeavors and community service rather than personal financial gain.
Once ordained in 1980, McElroy was assigned to a pastoral position in St. Cecilia Parish in San Francisco, California. From 1982 to 1985, McElroy served as secretary to Archbishop John Quinn.
In 1983, McElroy was one of three priests who drafted a report for the archdiocesan Priests' Senate entitled "Ministry and Sexuality in the Archdiocese of San Francisco" that stated that "the homosexual orientation is not held to be a sinful condition" but called homosexual persons to "[live] out the demands of chastity within that orientation," en
dorsing a gradualist approach that "assists the person toward a progressive assimilation of the church's ethical values."
Social Network
Robert McElroy maintains a presence on several social platforms, although as a cardinal, his engagement is more formal and focused on faith-based content. Followers can find updates regarding his speeches, initiatives, and community involvement on platforms like Twitter and Facebook, where he shares his thoughts on pressing social issues and Church teachings.
McElroy, like most members of the Church hierarchy, including Pope Francis and the USCCB, opposed plans by U.S. President Donald Trump to build a wall along the Mexico–United States border to limit illegal immigration. In March 2018, Trump visited California to view prototypes for the wall.
After the visit, McElroy said, "'It is a sad day for our country when we trade the majestic, hope-filled symbolism of the Statue of Liberty for an ineffective and grotesque wall, which both displays and inflames the ethnic and cultural divisions that have long been the underside of our national history.'"At a 2018 meeting, McElroy was asked by seve
ral lay Catholics about an openly gay man, Aaron Bianco, who was working at St.
John the Evangelist Parish. In response to one of their questions, McElroy said, "If the Church eliminated all the employees who are not living out the teachings of the Church in its fullness, we would be employing only angels."
Education
Robert McElroy is well-educated, having earned degrees in philosophy and theology. He attended the University of San Francisco and later pursued advanced studies at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley. His scholastic background has greatly influenced his pastoral work and his approach to addressing modern issues from a theological perspective.
McElroy was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of San Francisco in 1980. He later received advanced theological degrees from Santa Clara University and the Pontifical Gregorian University and has written articles for the Jesuit magazine America. McElroy was widely regarded as a supporter of the progressive policies of Pope Francis.
