Suburban religious leaders reflect on Cardinal George, embrace successor

The Rev. Bernie Pietrzak, pastor of Saint Anne Catholic Community, Barrington:

"Bishop Cupich, from his ministry in Spokane, was known to be an encouraging, inclusive and forward-thinking leader. From observing him at the news conference, he appears to have poise and confidence. He was articulate, approachable and seems to have a sense of humor and humility."

Monsignor Dennis Lyle, director of Cardinal Stritch Retreat House, Mundelein:

"He (Cardinal George) was good at formation for the deacons and lay ministers and brought those groups up to the seminary to learn how to have a more public role. He was a great communicator among the groups in the church. We were no longer silos."

The Rev. Nathaniel Edmond, pastor of Second Baptist Church of Elgin:

"He appears to be a little more moderate than some of the other conservative archbishops. I think that the church as a whole in the world is at somewhat of a crossroads. We must be both relative and contemporary and yet true to our mission. And I hope he is able to bridge that gap. And yet able to reach across lines to reach all segments of the world."

The Rev. Dan Brady, retired pastor of St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Mount Prospect:

"It means we have that continuation of really good, solid leadership. He's coming into one of the biggest dioceses in the country, and he's going to be running like crazy just to keep up with it."

The Rev. Richard Yanos, pastor of St. Edna Catholic Church, Arlington Heights:

"One of his many challenges will be to address the direction our American culture seems to be headed in that we seem to be losing our moral and religious compass … I'm happy with the decision Pope Francis has made, and I'm sure we will all welcome him with open arms and offer him our fullest support and prayers. His task and ministry among us is no small one."

• Daily Herald staff writers Anna Marie Kukec, Madhu Krishnamurthy, Katlyn Smith and Steve Zalusky contributed to this report.

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