Pope Francis on April 4 named Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Atlanta the new Archbishop of Washington. Archbishop-designate Gregory will succeed Cardinal Donald Wuerl who submitted his resignation to the Holy Father in November 2015 when he turned 75 years old, in accord with canon law.
Cardinal Donald Wuerl’s statement on the news from the Vatican:
“With great joy, I welcome the news that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has favored this local Church with the appointment of Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Atlanta, as the seventh Archbishop of Washington. I join all who appreciate his pastoral abilities, his intellectual gifts and his leadership qualities.
“I have known Archbishop Gregory for many years. In working with him on a range of pastoral initiatives and programs, I have come to recognize how generously he shares his talents and his love for the Church.
“As the Church of Washington opens a new chapter and looks to the future, we can all, with great confidence and enthusiasm, welcome our new shepherd.”
Statements from Auxiliary Bishops of Washington on the Appointment of New Archbishop of Washington
Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville:
“It is with great joy we receive the news that our Holy Father Pope Francis has appointed Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Atlanta to be the seventh Archbishop of Washington. This appointment reflects the Holy Father’s love for our local church, for each one of us, and, especially, for our immigrant families in the Archdiocese.
“Archbishop Gregory, our new shepherd, has a long history of pastoral work and dedicated service to the Church in the United States over the past 35 years. We look forward to collaborating with Archbishop Gregory in the development of his ministry within the archdiocese and we pray to our Lord to continue assisting him with His wisdom and love during this time of transition.”
Bishop Roy E. Campbell, Jr.:
“It is with profound joy that I received the announcement of our Holy Father appointing Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Atlanta, as the next Archbishop of Washington. Archbishop Gregory brings the pastoral, spiritual, intellectual and political gifts necessary to shepherd the people of God in the Church of Washington, encompassing the seat of government of the United States of America.
“I have come to know Archbishop Gregory over the past two years and have had the good fortune to work with him as a member of the Black Catholic Bishops of the United States. Archbishop Gregory will be able to identify with, and compassionately serve all of the people of this archdiocese, who represent very diverse ethnic, cultural and social backgrounds. I look forward to working closely with him in his ministry of leading and healing all who make up this Church and this community.”
Bishop Michael W. Fisher:
“With gratitude and joy I welcome the announcement that our Holy Father has appointed Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, Archbishop of Atlanta as the new Archbishop of Washington. The good people of the Archdiocese of Washington will be well served by Archbishop Gregory’s proven leadership and pastoral care.
“His experience and guidance as president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops during the adoption of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People will be essential in our Church’s continued commitment to healing and accountability. The new archbishop will be shepherding diverse and vibrant parishes with zealous and faith-filled clergy and laity ready to assist him in his ministry.
“I offer my heartfelt prayers and support to Archbishop Gregory as he assumes this new leadership position within the Church. I look forward to assisting him in meeting the pastoral needs of our archdiocese. May the Lord Jesus, and his mother, Mary, guide and protect him.”
