Chicago’s new archbishop sets a humble tone

The Archdiocese of Chicago is transferring powers today to Blase Cupich, a humble bishop from Spokane, Washington. Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Cardinal Francis George in September and surprised many by appointing Cupich instead of several others in more prominent positions. This is Pope Francis’ first major appointment in the hierarchy of the U.S. Catholic Church. Bishop Cupich will be the first Archbishop of Chicago’s 2.2 million Catholics who was not already an archbishop elsewhere.

After knocking three times on the doors of Holy Name Cathedral on Monday night to signal his arrival, Bishop Cupich addressed the crowd and laid out his vision for Chicago. He stayed away from lofty rhetoric and focused on issues in the lives of “real people”. He made strong statements in support of immigration reform:

“The work of comprehensive immigration reform is not important because it is on my agenda, but because it is on God’s,” Cupich said.

He also addressed the city’s drug and violence problems, particularly among the youth population.

“But, there are others who feel little sense of belonging and stability,” he said. “Many youth have no dreams, no real aspirations, no sustaining hope.”

When he arrived in Chicago, Cupich told reporters his approach to dealing with social issues may be different from Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s. The two are scheduled to have breakfast on Nov. 20.

Cupich has never met Pope Francis, and in an interview with the Chicago Tribune, he said he had no idea why he chose him. He also doesn’t plan on asking why.

“Go up to him and ask, “Why did you pick me?” I don’t think I’m going to ask him,” Bishop Cupich said. “Maybe he’ll offer to tell me, which would take the pressure off.”

They may have never met, but the mannerism and approaches of both leaders are similar. Many church observers see this appointment as a clear sign of Pope Francis extending his humble, open tone to the Catholic Church within the United States. For example, Bishop Cupich has decided to live in a suite of rooms in the cathedral rectory instead of the traditional residence since 1885 — a mansion with 19 chimneys on Chicago’s Gold Coast.

The Francis papacy has caused a slight division between Catholic leaders in the United States. Last week, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops held their general assembly in Baltimore. Pope Francis’ recent comments on same-sex marriage, evolution, and communion for people who have been divorced unsettled some bishops while encouraging others. Bishop Cupich is excited about Pope Francis’ message.
“The pope is saying some very challenging things for people,” Bishop Cupich told The New York Times. “He’s not saying, ‘This is the law, and you follow it and you get to heaven.’ He’s saying, ‘We have to do something about our world today that’s suffering, people are being excluded, neglected. We have a responsibility and he’s calling to task.’”

Chicago is the third largest U.S. diocese by population. It includes 17 hospitals and five Catholic colleges and universities.