Archbishop Blase Cupich is traveling to Rome this week, attending his first meeting as he joins the very important Congregation of Bishops, according to Vatican sources and the Chicago Archdiocese.
Cupich was appointed by Pope Francis in July to the group of 30 church leaders that selects bishops worldwide. It's a sign of Cupich's emerging importance in the Roman Catholic Church, and leads to speculation that Cupich may be elevated to Cardinal soon.
Cupich is the first American Archbishop appointed by Pope Francis. His appointment to the Congregation of Bishops will involve more travel back and forth to Rome. Washington DC Cardinal Donald Wuerl is the other American on the committee.
While Cupich will be in Rome, his travels were not listed on his official schedule in the Catholic New World.
