CHICAGO (IL)
ABC 7
Friday, September 19, 2014
CHICAGO (WLS) — The Associated Press has learned that Bishop Blase Cupich of Spokane, Washington, will be the next archbishop of Chicago.
A person with knowledge of the selection says Cupich will succeed Cardinal Francis George. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the person wasn’t authorized to speak publicly. The Archdiocese of Chicago has scheduled a news conference Saturday, but will not comment.
Cupich is a moderate and is not among the U.S. Roman Catholic bishops who take a culture warrior approach on hot-button topics. Francis says the church should emphasize mercy over divisive social issues.
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.
The Chicago Archdiocese will hold a rare press conference over the weekend. No details have been released, but the search for Cardinal George’s successor began earlier this year and was expected to take through the fall.
ABC7 will carry that announcement LIVE Saturday at 9:30 a.m.
Cardinal George submitted a request for retirement quite some time ago, and the process to find a successor had begun in May 2014. At that time, the archdiocese said it could take until fall.
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