Robert W. McElroy, Archbishop of San Diego speaks with participants through the fence during the 23rd Posada Sin Fronteras where worshipers gather on both sides of the US-Mexican border fence for a Christmas celebration, at Friendship Park and Playas de Tijuana in San Ysidro, California on December 10, 2016. / Sandy Huffaker/AFP via Getty Images.

Denver Newsroom, May 29, 2022 / 13:50 pm (CNA).

Archbishops José Gomez of Los Angeles and Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco both welcomed the announcement Sunday that Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego is to become a cardinal.

“By naming Bishop Robert McElroy as a cardinal, Pope Francis has shown his pastoral care for the Church in the United States. I have known and have had the privilege of working with Cardinal-designate McElroy for many years,” Gomez said May 29.

“As brother bishops, we’ve worked together on many issues and initiatives in service to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, as well as the California Catholic Conference. His strong faith and the pastoral concern for the faithful he has shown in his diocese will serve the global Church well. Please join me in praying for the continued ministry of Bishop McElroy.”

Cordileone noted that McElroy “is a native San Franciscan” and said, “We send congratulations to Cardinal-elect McElroy.”

Pope Francis said announced he will create 21 cardinals at a consistory to be held Aug. 27. Of the 21, 16 will be cardinal electors.

McElroy, 68, was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of San Francisco in 1980. He appointed auxiliary bishop of the same see, and consecrated, in 2010. He has been Bishop of San Diego since 2015.