The summit was in Rome, the focus was on the Amazon. But for Bishop Robert McElroy, leader of San Diego’s diocese and one of only three Americans among the 185 delegates to the Vatican’s Pan-Amazon Synod, the issues hit close to home. McElroy returned to San Diego last week to find traditionalists in an uproar. Along with most of the delegates, McElroy had backed a plan to allow married men to serve as priests in remote Amazonian villages. He also joined the majority in urging Pope Francis to consider ordaining female deacons — throughout the global church.
The summit was in Rome, the focus was on the Amazon.
But for Bishop Robert McElroy, leader of San Diego’s diocese and one of only three Americans among the 185 delegates to the Vatican’s Pan-Amazon Synod, the issues hit close to home.
McElroy returned to San Diego last week to find traditionalists in an uproar. Along with most of the delegates, McElroy had backed a plan to allow married men to serve as priests in remote Amazonian villages. He also joined the majority in urging Pope Francis to consider ordaining female deacons — throughout the global church.