UNITED STATES
Utah People’s Post
September 20, 2014 By David Jackson
Since Pope Francis was appointed the new Pope, the Catholic world has seen a massive change in Vatican politics. In one and a half years, the Argentinian Pope signaled a turn from the conservative political discourse of Pope Benedict XVI to a more socially progressive stance. Francis’s message was that the Catholic Church must focus on the social and economic inequalities. In such a short time, Francis became one of the most popular Popes in history, with poor people everywhere finding a new ally in him and the Catholic Church as politicians failed to raise up to their expectations.
The U.S. may soon by more influenced by Francis’ actions as well, as the new Pope plans to appoint a new Chicago Archbishop. Cardinal Francis George is now 77 years old and battles a recurring bladder cancer. The archidiocese will hold a press conference on Saturday morning. According to Associated Press, Blase Cupich of Spokane will soon be named the new Chicago Bishop. Cupich, 65, is widely known as a progressive member of the American Catholic Church, thus closer to Pope Francis’ views.
Cardinal George was more in line with the two former popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI. The present Chicago bishop, who was favored by the Catholic right wing, due to his strong cultural messages on sex politics, was appointed by Benedict XVI in 2010.
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