The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) shared a statement from Archbishop Gomez concerning the addition of Wilton D. Gregory to the College of Cardinals. 

The appointment of the archbishop was declared by Pope Francis two weeks ago. Gregory is the first Black cardinal to be named, coming at an opportune time, given the racially charged strife that is present in the country. 

“By naming Archbishop Wilton Gregory as a Cardinal, Pope Francis is sending a powerful message of hope and inclusion to the Church in the United States,” Archbishop Gomez wrote. “As a former president of our national bishops’ conference, Archbishop Gregory displayed generous and principled leadership.”

Gomez stated that this move by Pope Francis is an excellent opportunity to remember the invaluable role that Catholics of African American heritage have played in the Catholic Church, as well as a chance to thank them for their contributions to the universal church. 

“Please join me in praying for the continued ministry of Archbishop Gregory,” Gomez wrote. 

Wilton Gregory is currently the archbishop of Washington, a role he has served since 2019. As cardinal, Gregory has been placed at the church’s highest governing role.

According to the New York Times, Gregory has long been advocating for better racial relations within the church. 

In June 2020, Gregory spoke out about the racial injustice in regards to George Floyd. He commented on the important intersection of human dignity, religion and politics and why he was willing to speak about issues many refused to.

“People said [to clergy during the civil rights era] as well: ‘You shouldn’t be in the political area.’ If we don’t work together, I believe we will miss perhaps the most significant moment for real national transition I’ve experienced,” Gregory stated in an online panel.

Gregory converted to the Catholic faith as a child.