Will Cardinal Cupich Be Appointed to Key Rome Position?

Last November, Cardinal Blase Cupich was elevated to the College of Cardinals and now, Chicago priests say they "would not be surprised" if he is soon appointed to a new major leadership position in Rome.

Multiple sources told NBC 5 that they believe Cupich, who was the first American bishop appointed by Pope Francis, is on the short list for various key roles at the Vatican. The Chicago Sun-Times reports he's being considered for Secretariat of the Economy, but other sources with knowledge told NBC 5 that there are other Vatican openings as well.

If he is selected for a position in Rome, that would result in his departure from the Chicago Archdiocese, which he has led since 2014. Cupich was placed by Pope Francis on the Congregation of Bishops which appoints bishops across the world and travels to Rome nearly every six weeks.

Cupich is in the midst of a major overhaul of churches and schools, an initiative called “Renew My Church,” which brings the possibility of 100 closings in the next 10 years. When reached for comment, the Chicago Archdiocese said it “does not respond to rumors.”

Contact Us