The pope pointed to the assassination attempt against Donald Trump as an example of growing polarization and mistrust.

Referring to diplomacy as a “vocation” to “foster dialogue with all parties,” the Pope said political leaders are called to be heralds of peace, truth, forgiveness, freedom, and justice.

Pope Francis on Monday named a Catholic cardinal who has criticized Donald Trump's political agenda as the new leader for the Catholic Church in Washington, D.C., days before Trump is set to be inaugurated as U.

Pope Francis appointed Cardinal Robert McElroy as Archbishop of Washington. This choice carries undeniable political weight, reflecting the profound opposition between the Californian cleric and the incoming Republican President Donald Trump.

The appointment of Robert W. McElroy is a signal of the pope’s priorities, two weeks before Donald J. Trump’s term begins.

Outspokenly progressive, Cardinal McElroy is now poised to take over the ecclesiastical territory of the nation’s capital just as Donald Trump is sworn in for a second term as president of the United States.

During Trump's first administration, Cardinal McElroy sharply criticised his plan to launch a mass deportation campaign targeting millions of immigrants living in the United States.

On Dec. 20, Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Brian Burch as the next U.S. ambassador to the Vatican. Burch, the president of CatholicVote.org, has been an outspoken defender of Trump and vigorously promoted his reelection in 2020 and 2024.

Cardinal Robert McElroy has supported migrants and said the church should be more inclusive to women and LGBT people.

In his annual speech to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See, Pope Francis condemned what he said was a universal growth in fake news, pointing to United States President-elect Donald Trump as a victim.

Pope Francis’ decision to appoint a liberal cardinal to the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. was reportedly done in response to the person President-elect Donald Trump selected as Vatican ambassador. The Pope on Monday announced his appointment of Cardinal Robert McElroy of San Diego,