From the Chicago Archdiocese's residence to a trip to Puerto Rico and even a new appointment from the pope, Cardinal Blase Cupich has certainly been busy.
Cupich is increasing his role as the American point person for Pope Francis, recently receiving a new appointment to join the Congregation for Catholic Education.
"They do relate to all of the Catholic universities, not only in this country but around the world and all of the schools," Cupich said.
He's also traveling back and forth to Rome once a month, and visited Puerto Rico in December.
Sent there at the request of Pope Francis, Cupich spent several days in Puerto Rico as the island copes with rebuilding after Hurricanes Irma and Maria. He also spent time in Moscow in November, but home is always on his mind: both Chicago and his actual residence.
The Cardinal's mansion - a Chicago landmark for more than 130 years - is often eyed as a potential gold mine for the Archdiocese to sell.
But the residence on North State Parkway will not be up for sale any time soon, Cupich said, even though he has mentioned putting it on the market in the past.
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"It's almost 135 years old, and we use it, we counted the days, for different events we used it 70 times last year for different events," Cupich said.
Though repairs are costly, to the tune of six million dollars, Cupich hopes to find a way for the Archdiocese to keep it.
"I'm looking for a way in which we can take care of the deferred maintenance and be responsible, and yet not use our assets in terms of operations, to keep that building ope," Cupich said. "If it becomes cost-prohibitive, if it becomes something that we're not able to afford, then we need to take a serious look at liquidating it and selling it if that becomes necessary."
Also in Chicago, Cupich is leading the "Renew My Church" initiative to find ways to merge parishes and schools with community input.
"In the last 15 or 20 years, we've lost 20 percent of our attendance," Cupich said, adding, "People are not regular churchgoers as they were in the past."
What will certainly help his cause is a new program that the Illinois General Assembly approved last year to offer tax credits for private schools.
"A good deal of money has been raised here, and in Cook County for this region and across the state. I think that's going to be a gamechanger," he said.
Chicago's cardinal also dismissed talk that he may be sent to Rome full-time.
"I don't ask for anything and I don't refuse anything." Cupich said.
"But having said that I know from my own personal conversations with the pope that he wants me here, and so that's why I think all of those rumors are so unfounded."
Still, Cupich is also taking a more active role with elected leaders to promote the ways the archdiocese offers food and even counseling to prevent violence.
