CHICAGO (IL)
Crux
By Michael O’Loughlin
National reporter September 20, 2014
When Bishop Blase Cupich takes the reins of the Archdiocese of Chicago on Nov. 17, he will be vaulted from a relatively quiet spot in northern Washington State into a hub of American Catholicism, where he instantly becomes a leading figure in the American church.
A moderate among Catholic bishops, Cupich (pronounced SOU-pitch) was reportedly tapped after Pope Francis consulted personally with several American bishops, rather than relying solely on recommendations from the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops.
But navigating the tricky waters of leading a polarized church will be just one part of Cupich’s job. He will also lead what is effectively a billion-dollar company that employs more than 15,000 people and serves millions through ministry, social services, and education.
Cupich’s executive experience so far has been in much smaller dioceses. In Spokane, where he is currently bishop, there are 17 Catholic schools and 80 parishes (Chicago has 244 schools and 356 parishes). The budget there, $2.6 million, is a fraction of Chicago’s. Cupich was credited with effectively managing the Diocese of Spokane’s bankruptcy upon his arrival in 2010.
“While he represents an interest and strongly defended the church, nevertheless he didn’t defend inappropriate activity. And he was a tremendous partner in finding resolution of these matters.” said US District Judge Michael Hogan of Oregon who oversaw Spokane’s bankruptcy.
He is currently in the midst of a malpractice suit brought by the diocese against the law firm that represented the diocese before he arrived, charging that the firm did not properly handle settlements with sex abuse victims, putting the diocese at risk for another bankruptcy. With the trial slated to begin in February, Cupich’s predecessor will be left to handle the proceedings.
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