Pope Francis has named Archbishop Blase Cupich a cardinal, one of three Americans and 17 new cardinals in all.
Cupich has led the Chicago Archdiocese, the third largest in the United States, since September 2014. He will be the 7th Cardinal from Chicago.
“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. “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.”
The 67-year-old native of Omaha is leading the Chicago Archdiocese through a current reorganization. In July he was chosen as a member of the Congregation of Bishops, an important bishop-making panel.
Forty percent of the population is believed to be Catholic. The Chicago Archdiocese is in the midst of a radical overhaul, with the number of priests dwindling and as many as 100 churches potentially closing over the next 14 years.
Other Americans named Sunday include the Archbishop of Indianapolis Joseph Tobin and Dallas' Kevin Farrell.
Farrell is now working at the Vatican heading up a new congregation for the church family. Tobin will be viewed as a surprise as Indianapolis is not a traditional cardinal seat.
Chicago has been a traditional cardinal seat as seen with previous Cardinals George, Bernardin and Cody.
