Atlanta Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory will reportedly assume leadership of the Archdiocese of Washington, one of the most influential in the nation, according to an article in The Washington Post.
The article said the appointment could be formally announced on Thursday.
Gregory, a native of Chicago and the only living African-American archbishop, has served as Atlanta archbishop since 2005.
The Vatican typically does not tip its hand on appointments, but there has been much speculation about a possible move for Gregory, 71.
Last week, the Catholic News Agency published an article citing several unnamed sources that Gregory would soon be named to the position.
The Atlanta Archdiocese could not be reached for comment after several attempts.
Chieko Noguchi, a spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of Washington, said, “There has not yet been an announcement from the Holy See.”
Related: Report says Atlanta's Archbishop Gregory will be named to Washington position
“It’s a move from an important archdiocese to another important archdiocese with perhaps more visibility given that it is in the nation’s capital,” said the Rev. James Martin, a Jesuit priest and editor-at-large of America, a Catholic magazine. “He will be called upon regularly to meet with legislators, politicians and public figures, but he’s very well prepared. He is an experienced administrator, a compassionate priest and a very prayerful man.”
The Washington Archdiocese is smaller than Atlanta’s — 655,000 Catholics compared to 1.2 million — but just as vibrant and diverse.
The position was formerly held by Cardinal Donald Wuerl, whose resignation was accepted by Pope Francis last October.
Former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, the highest-ranking Catholic leader to be defrocked by the Vatican in modern times, was once the archbishop of Washington. The once influential Catholic leader resigned after being accused of sexual misconduct.
Gregory could be the one to help that archdiocese regain its footing after the scandals.
Sandra Yocum, professor of faith and culture at the University of Dayton, said she was not entirely surprised.
“Gregory did take leadership in getting his fellow bishops to respond to the scandals related to the Boston sexual abuse crisis,” she said. “There may have been some discussion about his age, given that bishops are expected to submit letters of resignation at 75, although the letter is not always accepted. However, his earlier record makes him a viable choice given Pope Francis’ promise to address the sexual abuse crisis in an active and serious way.”
Related: What Catholics seek in wake of more abuse allegations
Gregory was president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in June 2002 when it implemented procedures for addressing sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy. The bishops’ “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” also includes guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability and prevention of future acts of abuse.
The Archdiocese of Atlanta also released the names of of 15 priests, seminarians, and those under direct authority of a religious order “credibly” accused of sexual abuse of a minor.
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