New Archbishop Draws Line In Sand Against Church Hardliners
(CBS) – The Spokane, Wash. bishop who will become head of the Roman Catholic Church in Chicago spent his weekend returning to his roots, in Omaha, Neb.
CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine was there as Blase Cupich, who will be installed in Chicago in November, shared the good news with his hometown.
Levine reports the veteran clergyman, 65, is comfortable in his own skin and has a dry sense of humor. Cupich led CBS 2 on a tour of the small parish in South Omaha where he was raised
"I want to make sure if they interview you, you say only nice things about me," Cupich told parishioners.
He needn't have worried.
"Yay for Chicago. What a blessing to have him," one parishioner said.
"Can I say what I've always said – he's going to be the first pope from the United States," said another.
It was a triumphant return to the parish his immigrant grandparents helped start. The folks there could hardly contain themselves. Their devotion stems from their ties to Cupich, but also the way he interpreted church teachings and dealt with dissent.
The Chicago archbishop-designate, who is considered a moderate, indicates he will not politicize religion, as some church leaders have in the past.
"As long as they're in church, are willing to hear the word of God, be open to Christ's call of conversion, for each one of us, that's sufficient for me," Cupich says. "We cannot politicize the communion rail. I just don't think that works in the long run."
Cupich on Monday returned to the Chicago area, making an appearance for the Catholic Extension in Lake County, which is part of the Chicago Archdiocese. There, he received Chicago Bears gear and was noncommittal when asked if he'll reside in the archbishop's Lincoln Park mansion once he settles here.
"Wherever I live, I want to have a place where I can get some rest and feel the support of people who are around me. At the same time I would have to say I'm going to take my time to make that decision and to see where I can live to be most effective."
The Archdiocese of Chicago announced Saturday that Cupich will become the next archbishop, replacing Francis Cardinal George.