Chicago Archbishop Cupich named cardinal by Pope Francis
Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich is one of three American Catholic church leaders and 17 worldwide named a cardinal Sunday by Pope Francis.
Cupich, 67, who was appointed by Pope Francis in 2014 to lead the Archdiocese of Chicago, called the designation "humbling and encouraging."
"When Pope Francis appointed me Archbishop of Chicago more than two years ago, the people of the archdiocese welcomed me as a friend and brother and I committed wholeheartedly to serve them," Cupich said in a statement released by the archdiocese Sunday morning. "The role of cardinal brings new responsibilities, but with your prayers and help, we will continue the task we have begun of renewing the church in the archdiocese and preparing it to thrive in the decades ahead."
As a cardinal, Cupich moves into the ranks of Francis' top advisors, and becomes one of the 120 clerics who would elect the next pope.
Indianapolis Archbishop Joseph Tobin and outgoing Dallas Bishop Kevin Farrell joined also were named cardinals, joining fellow bishops from as far-flung places as Bangui, Central African Republic; Port Louis, Mauritius and Tlalnepantla, Mexico. In all, seven countries that have never had a cardinal are getting one in this round of appointments, Francis' third.
The nomination for Tobin is seen as significant both for the U.S. church and the U.S. election and reflects Francis' ongoing concern for refugees. Tobin openly opposed a request from Indiana Gov. Michael Pence, now the Republican running mate of presidential candidate Donald Trump, to not settle Syrian refugees in the state.
A U.S. federal appeals court recently used stinging language in a ruling that will keep Pence from barring Syrian refugee resettlement in Indiana for now.
"You can find a political message" in the Tobin appointment, said Massimo Faggioli, a Villanova University expert on the Vatican.
Speaking at the end of a special Mass on the steps of St. Peter's Basilica, Francis said the 17 would be elevated at a consistory Nov. 19, on the eve of the close to his Holy Year of Mercy.
"Their provenance from 11 nations expresses the universality of the church that announces and is witness to the good news of the mercy of God in every corner of the world," Francis said.
Francis has made it a point to no longer automatically name cardinals from big dioceses as had been the practice for centuries. The Italian cities of Venice and Turin, for example, have been without cardinals for several years.
The same goes for the U.S., where such staunchly Catholic archdioceses as Philadelphia, which hosted Francis last year at the Catholic Church's big family rally, was passed over again. Philadelphia is headed by the conservative Archbishop Charles Chaput, who has insisted on traditional church doctrine on issues such as whether civilly remarried couples can receive Communion - areas where Francis has sought greater flexibility.
"It's a clear message to the United States Catholic bishops about the kind of church Francis has in mind," Faggioli said.
Thirteen of the new cardinals, including all the Americans, are under age 80 and thus eligible to vote in any future conclave to elect Francis' successor.
The geographic distribution of electors still heavily favors Europe, which has 54 voting-age cardinals. The Americas come next with 34 cardinals in North, South and Central America. Africa has 15, Asia 14 and Oceania four. On Nov. 28, Cardinal Theodore-Adrien Sarr of Senegal will turn 80, bringing the voting number down to 120.
Of the new cardinals, Cupich is very much a pastor in Francis' likeness, emphasizing the merciful and welcoming side of the church - somewhat to the dismay of U.S. conservative Catholics. His nomination as Chicago archbishop was Francis' first major U.S. appointment and he was a papal appointee at the pope's big family synod last year. In July, Francis appointed him to the Congregation for Bishops.
• Daily Herald wire services contributed to this story