When the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops gathers in Baltimore for their annual meeting this coming week, they will elect new leaders to various positions. One of those decisions that will be watched closely is who will be selected to chair the Committee on Pro-Life Activities.
The choice is between two candidates - Chicago's Cardinal Blase Cupich or Kansas City Archbishop Joseph Naumann.
Some see the decision as a fight for the direction of the American church, as if Pope Francis vs. Pope Benedict were on the ballot.
Naumann is viewed as more traditional, more conservative, while Cupich, called a "prominent liberal" by the Wall Street Journal, often promotes Cardinal Joseph Bernardin's "seamless garment" of life.
Earlier this year, Naumann announced he would no longer allow the Girl Scouts at his parishes because of their affiliation with Planned Parenthood. He also criticized former vice presidential candidate Sen. Tim Kaine during the 2016 election for his stance on abortion.
Meanwhile, Cupich sees himself as a bridge builder. At the University of Chicago this past week, Cupich said Pope Francis is "one of the most popular people on the planet."
"I don't think people are scandalized by the pope," the cardinal continued. However, U.S. bishops have been more open with their criticisms of Pope Francis in recent months.
The upcoming USCCB election is seen as a bellwether of where the Catholic Church is headed, with great divide over not just abortion, but other issues as well, like allowing divorced Catholics to remarry and where bishops stand on immigration under President Donald Trump's administration.
"It will be a big deal if Cupich doesn't get elected," one Chicago priest noted, adding, "Traditionally this post is always held by a Cardinal."
