Cardinal Walter McElroy of San Diego is named by Pope Francis to replace the retiring Cardinal Wilton Gregory leading the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.

Cardinal Robert McElroy of San Diego is known for his progressive views on LGBTQ+ issues and social inequality.

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

McElroy, known for a pastoral approach to migrants and the LGBTQ+ community, will take over an archdiocese still bruised by a sex and mismanagement scandal.

Pope Francis on Monday tapped cardinal Robert W. McElroy, the bishop of San Diego, as the next Roman Catholic archbishop of Washington, D.C. Why it matters: McElroy, a vocal ally for migrants, women and LBGTQ people in the church,

Robert McElroy, 70, is expected to be named to the high-profile Roman Catholic post in the nation's capital, according to the National Catholic Reporter, followed by other sources.