Cardinal Robert McElroy holds the apostolic mandate from Pope Francis appointing him as the new archbishop of Washington and displays it for the congregation during his Solemn Mass of Installation on March 11, 2025 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. (Catholic Standard photo by Mihoko Owada)

Cardinal Robert McElroy emphasized the importance of Christian hope, mercy and respecting human dignity in a homily in the nation’s capital during his solemn installation Mass in which he assumed the role as the archbishop of the Archdiocese of Washington.

Cardinal Robert McElroy was installed as the Archbishop of Washington, focusing on unity and facing local challenges.

Cardinal Wilton Gregory, archbishop emeritus of Washington, delivers opening remarks at the Installation Mass of Cardinal Robert McElroy on March 11, 2025 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. (Catholic Standard photo by Mihoko Owada)

During the nearly two-hour liturgy, Cardinal McElroy encouraged the faithful of his new archdiocese to be “pilgrims of hope in a wounded world.”

In his installation Mass, McElroy addressed some of the nation's current tensions but also emphasized the need for hope and dignity.

Mercy and compassion must be our first impulse when confronted with sin and human failure,' said the cardinal, who will fill the seat vacated by Cardinal Wilton Gregory, who retired at the beginning of this year.

Thousands gathered at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Northeast, D.C. Tuesday to watch the installation of the new archbishop.