In his farewell news conference, Cardinal McElroy said the church's role in the nation's capital is not to solve political problems or steer policy but to give witness to those affected by national actions.

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.

Speaking at a news conference at the Diocese of San Diego, where he has served as bishop for over a decade, McElroy acknowledged that he will head the Catholic Church in the nation’s capital as the country grapples with what it means to be a compassionate society.

Cardinal Robert McElroy, who is getting ready to take over as archbishop of Washington in March, called for compassion and dignity for migrants during a news conference Thursday in San Diego.

Cardinal Robert McElroy, who led the Catholic Diocese of San Diego for a decade, delivered farewell remarks Thursday on a range of topics – Pope Francis’ health, the church’s role in this political moment and more – before departing for his new role as archbishop of Washington.