Bishop of San Diego
Cardinal Robert W. McElroy is the sixth bishop and the first cardinal of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego.
He is a native of San Francisco and a scholar of American history, political science, and moral and pastoral theology. In San Diego and Imperial counties, he leads a vibrant and diverse community of nearly 1.4 million Catholics. He is an inspiring shepherd who seeks to follow the example of Christ and the vision of Pope Francis.
In August 2022, Pope Francis elevated Bishop McElroy to the College of Cardinals where, in addition to serving the Catholic community of the San Diego-Imperial Valley region, he serves as Papal Advisor and a future Elector of the next Pope. He was installed Archbishop of Washington on March 11, 2025.
— Cardinal McElroy
Cardinal McElroy is an accomplished writer and speaker. He has written two books, is a regular contributor to leading Catholic publications and speaks across the nation, exploring key elements of Catholic social teaching.
Cardinal McElroy’s leadership on key issues has profoundly shaped the life of the Local Church and beyond.
As a prominent figure in the Catholic Church and a leader of social justice causes, Cardinal McElroy has been a vocal advocate for the poor, the marginalized, and
the environment.
