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.

In his installation Mass, McElroy addressed some of the nation's current tensions but also emphasized the need for hope and dignity.

Cardinal Robert McElroy, who has led nearly 1.4 million Catholics in San Diego and Imperial Counties as Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of San Diego for the past decade, is preparing to take on a new role as Archbishop of Washington,

The church's role in the nation's capital is not to steer policy but to give witness to those affected by national initiatives, Cardinal Robert McElroy said Feb. 27 in his final news conference as San Diego archbishop.