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The Conversation
The Conversation
Joanne M. Pierce, Professor Emerita of Religious Studies, College of the Holy Cross

Catholic cardinals play a key role in secular politics as well as the Catholic Church–and the importance of Pope Francis’ choice to head the church in DC

Cardinal Robert McElroy, who will head the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi, File

Pope Francis recently appointed Cardinal Robert McElroy, a harsh critic of President-elect Donald Trump’s immigration policy, to head the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.

The move has led to concerns among some Catholics about how he might interact with the new administration, especially since Trump has announced plans to appoint Brian Burch, the head of a conservative Catholic political group, as ambassador to the Vatican.

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