CHICAGO (IL)
CBS Chicago
(CBS) – Bishop Blase Cupich said he was “surprised” and “overwhelmed” at being selected to succeed Francis Cardinal George as Archbishop of Chicago at a press conference Saturday morning.
Bishop Blase Cupich will continue to serve as the Bishop of Spokane until he is installed as Archbishop of Chicago on Nov. 18 in a ceremony at Holy Name Cathedral.
“Archbishop Cupich is prepared for his new responsibilities and brings to them a deep faith, quick intelligence, personal commitment and varied pastoral experience,” said Cardinal George.
Cupich said he was, “quite overwhelmed and very surprised,” when he got the news 10 days ago that he would be the new Archbishop of Chicago.
Pope Francis’ choice for Chicago has been closely watched. It is his first major U.S. appointment and the clearest sign yet of the direction he hopes to steer American church leaders. Cupich said not to think about his appointment as a message. …
The Survivors Network Of Those Abused By Priests or “SNAP” is speaking out against the selection. They released a statement saying in part: “We hope that Chicago’s next Catholic Archbishop will do more to prevent future clergy sex crimes and cover-ups. But we’re not optimistic.”
Friday, the Spokesman Review reported that more than 200 victims have come forward in Spokane.
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