New U.S. bishop tackles Church's slavery legacy and racial justice

The Catholic Church in the United States continues to address its historical ties to slavery. Bishop-designate Robert P. Boxie III, recently appointed by Pope Leo XIV, will soon take on a new role in Washington. His appointment comes as the Church reflects on its past and its ongoing commitment to racial justice. Pope Leo XIV named Boxie as an auxiliary bishop of Washington. He will be ordained on 7 July. Before this, he served as chaplain at the Sister Thea Bowman Catholic Student Center at Howard University.

Boxie has spoken openly about the need for racial justice. He believes personal conversion is the first step in confronting racism. The Church’s role in reconciliation remains a priority for him.

The Church’s history with slavery includes both complicity and efforts toward atonement. Georgetown University was partly funded by the 1838 sale of 272 enslaved individuals. Pope Leo XIV acknowledged this past in his encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, offering an apology for the Church’s involvement. Additionally, three of the seven African American Catholics under consideration for sainthood were once enslaved.

Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery in the U.S. in 1865, serves as a reminder of the long struggle for freedom. This occurred 89 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed. Boxie’s ordination will take place as the Church continues to grapple with its legacy. His focus on justice and reconciliation aligns with broader efforts to address past wrongs. The ordination and ongoing discussions highlight the Church’s commitment to change.