Wilton Daniel Gregory facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Eminence Wilton Daniel Gregory |
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| Cardinal, Archbishop emeritus of Washington |
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Cardinal Gregory in 2024
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| Church | Roman Catholic Church |
| Archdiocese | Washington |
| See | Washington |
| Appointed | April 4, 2019 |
| Enthroned | May 21, 2019 |
| Predecessor | Donald William Wuerl |
| Successor | Robert W. McElroy |
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| Ordination | May 9, 1973 |
| Consecration | December 13, 1983 by Joseph Bernardin |
| Created Cardinal | November 28, 2020 |
| Rank | Cardinal-Priest |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Wilton Daniel Gregory |
| Born | December 7, 1947 Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Denomination | Catholic (Latin Church) |
| Residence | Washington, D.C., US |
| Parents | Ethel Duncan Wilton Gregory, Sr. |
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| Alma mater |
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| Motto | We are the Lord's |
| Styles of Wilton Daniel Gregory |
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| Spoken style | Your Eminence |
| Informal style | Cardinal |
Wilton Daniel Gregory was born on December 7, 1947. He is an important leader in the Catholic Church in America. From 2019 to 2025, he served as the Archbishop of Washington.
In 2020, Pope Francis chose him to become a cardinal. This was a very special moment because he was the first African-American person to become a cardinal.
Before becoming Archbishop of Washington, Cardinal Gregory held several other important roles. He was an auxiliary bishop in Chicago from 1983 to 1994. Then, he became the Bishop of Belleville from 1994 to 2004. After that, he served as the Archbishop of Atlanta from 2005 to 2019.
Cardinal Gregory also made history as the first African-American president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). He held this position from 2001 to 2004.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Wilton Daniel Gregory was born in Chicago, Illinois. His parents were Ethel and Wilton Gregory. He grew up with two sisters, Elaine and Claudia. When he was young, his parents divorced, and his grandmother, Etta Mae Duncan, moved in to help the family.
In 1958, he started attending St. Carthage Grammar School. It was there that he decided he wanted to become a priest. This happened even before he officially became a Catholic. He was baptized and received his First Communion in 1959. Later that year, he was confirmed by Bishop Raymond P. Hillinger.
After finishing St. Carthage in 1961, he continued his studies at several schools. These included Quigley Preparatory Seminary South and Niles College in Chicago. He also attended St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein. After becoming a priest, he earned a special degree called a doctorate in sacred liturgy from a university in Rome.
Becoming a Priest
Wilton Gregory became a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago on May 9, 1973, when he was 25 years old. After his ordination, he worked as an associate pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Glenview.
In 1976, he went to Rome to continue his studies. He earned his Doctor of Sacred Liturgy degree in 1980. When he returned to Illinois, he taught about liturgy (the way religious services are performed) at Saint Mary of the Lake Seminary. He also helped lead ceremonies for Cardinals John Cody and Joseph Bernardin.
Serving as a Bishop
Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago
On October 31, 1983, Pope John Paul II chose Gregory to be an auxiliary bishop for Chicago. An auxiliary bishop helps the main bishop of a large area. Gregory became a bishop on December 13, 1983.
Bishop of Belleville
On December 29, 1993, Pope John Paul II appointed Gregory as the seventh bishop of Belleville. He officially started this role on February 10, 1994.
In 1998, Gregory was chosen to be the vice president of the USCCB. He also led several committees. Three years later, in 2001, he was elected president of the USCCB. He was only the second African-American person to lead a group of bishops in this way. His time as president ended in 2004.
Archbishop of Atlanta
Pope John Paul II named Gregory the seventh archbishop of Atlanta on December 9, 2004. He officially began his new role on January 17, 2005. He was the third African-American archbishop in the United States. The first two, Eugene A. Marino and James P. Lyke, also served as archbishops of Atlanta.
As archbishop, Gregory wrote a column for the archdiocese's newspaper called The Georgia Bulletin. In his column, he often shared his thoughts about his faith and experiences.
In 2014, there was a discussion about the archbishop's home in Atlanta. The archdiocese had used money to build a new residence. After listening to feedback, Gregory decided to sell the residence. He then moved into a more modest home. He explained that Pope Francis encourages church leaders to be open-minded and welcoming.
Archbishop of Washington
On April 4, 2019, Pope Francis appointed Gregory as the archbishop of Washington. He officially took on this role on May 21, 2019.
In August 2019, Gregory spoke about the importance of respectful communication. He said that harsh words can create divisions and harm national life. He called for an end to disrespect in speech and actions.
In June 2020, President Donald Trump visited a shrine in Washington. Archbishop Gregory chose not to attend the event. He later explained that he had a prior commitment.
In September 2020, Pope Francis asked Gregory to also serve as the temporary leader for the Diocese of Saint Thomas. This diocese is connected to Washington. Gregory also gave a prayer at a ceremony remembering those who died during the coronavirus pandemic. Like other archbishops of Washington, Gregory also serves as the leader of Catholic University of America.
In 2025, Pope Francis accepted Gregory's resignation as Archbishop of Washington. Robert McElroy was named as his successor.
Becoming a Cardinal
On October 25, 2020, Pope Francis announced that he would make Gregory a cardinal. This special ceremony, called a consistory, took place on November 28, 2020. At this event, Gregory became a cardinal-priest. He was given a special church in Rome, called Immacolata Concezione di Maria a Grottarossa, as his "titular church."
This was a historic moment because Gregory became the first African-American cardinal from the United States. In December 2020, Pope Francis also named Gregory as a member of a Vatican office that deals with families and everyday Catholics.
Important Views
Gun Control
In 2014, Gregory spoke out against a new law in Georgia. This law allowed people with licenses to carry guns in churches and other public places. Gregory stated that he would not allow guns in churches in his archdiocese, except for military and police. He believed that guns in churches could put vulnerable people, like children and the elderly, at risk.
Welcoming LGBTQ Catholics
In October 2020, Gregory was interviewed about his approach to LGBTQ Catholics. He believes it is very important that all people, including LGBTQ Catholics, are treated with respect.
Honors and Awards
Cardinal Gregory has received many honors for his work and leadership:
- He has received honorary doctorates from several universities. These include Spring Hill College, Xavier University, McKendree University, Lewis University, Fontbonne University, Catholic Theological Union, and Boston College.
- In 2002, he received the Great Preacher Award from the Aquinas Institute of Theology.
- In 2006, he was inducted into the Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College in Atlanta.
See also
In Spanish: Wilton Daniel Gregory para niños
- Cardinals created by Pope Francis
- Catholic Church hierarchy
- Catholic Church in the United States
- Historical list of the Catholic bishops of the United States
- List of Catholic bishops of the United States
- Lists of patriarchs, archbishops, and bishops
