CHICAGO (IL)
Chicago Tonight
Paris Schutz | September 20, 2014
Saying that he was “well-prepared” for the responsibilities of leading a church of 2.2 million people, Cardinal Francis George introduced his successor, Blase Cupich, who will formally take over as head of the Archdiocese of Chicago on Nov. 18. Cupich said he was quite overwhelmed at his selection by Pope Francis.
“Surprise doesn’t come close to the word to describe it,” he said. “I’m no saint, but I hope I can live up to the responsibility.”
Cupich, 65, comes from Spokane, Wash., where he has led a diocese of 100,000 for four years. He was bishop of Rapid City, S.D. for 12 years before that. He has been described by various Catholic media as a “moderate” on many issues, choosing to focus less on social issues like contraception and abortion, and more on social justice issues. It’s a contrast to outgoing Archbishop Francis George, who has been seen as more of a conservative.
“Everyone brings their own talents and experiences,” Cupich said. “It’s not my agenda, it’s not what I feel. I’m going to be attentive to what the lord wants. If there’s moderation in that, maybe I’m a moderate.” …
George, who will continue as a cardinal when he retires as archbishop, said Cupich will be fully briefed in the next two months on the legal issues facing the church, most notably a group of child sex abuse cases that are still in the process of being settled. George has taken criticism from groups like the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests for what they say is a failure to remove child predators from the ministry, and for enabling them to continue to prey on children. But Cupich praised his predecessor for his role in influencing the church to tackle the issue.
“We would not have zero tolerance with the issue of child protection if not for this man here. He’s the one that pressed for it more than anybody in the face of opposition,” Cupich said.
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