Papabili: Blase Cupich, Anti-Abuse Progressive

Chicago: Papabile Blase Cupich, a 76-year-old American and the archbishop of Chicago, is recognized as an ultra-progressive prelate. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Cupich graduated in Philosophy in the United States and pursued theological studies in Rome at the Gregorian.

According to Ansa News Agency, Cupich became a bishop in Rapid City, South Dakota, in 1998. His first significant assignment came in 2010 when he was appointed to lead the diocese of Spokane in Washington state, which had been rocked by scandals involving sexual abuse by priests. Facing numerous lawsuits that threatened the diocese, Cupich succeeded in safeguarding and revitalizing Catholic schools. His successful leadership in Spokane led to his appointment by the American Conference of Bishops to chair the Commission for the Protection of Minors.

In 2014, Cupich was appointed the metropolitan archbishop of Chicago, and two years later, he became a cardinal. Over the years, he has gained attention for his progressive stances. He has prohibited priests from praying in front of Planned Parenthood clinics and from supporting the anti-abortion group 40 Days for Life. Cupich advocates for respect for gays and lesbians and endorses Pope Francis’s document “Fiducia supplicans,” which permits the blessing of homosexual couples.

Cupich is open to discussing the role of female deacons and believes the Church must address global warming. He supports synodality, aligning with Pope Francis’s vision for a more inclusive church. In 2021, after the release of Traditionis Custodes, he was among the first bishops to limit the traditional Mass. Last year, he faced controversy from traditionalist Catholics for encouraging the faithful to receive communion standing rather than kneeling and for saying a prayer at the Democratic Convention, despite the party’s pro-abortion stance.

The archbishop faced criticism for his perceived leniency toward Catholic politicians who support abortion rights. In 2018, Archbishop Carlo Vigan², the former nuncio to the United States, accused Cupich of being appointed to Chicago through Cardinal Theodor McCarrick, who was later laicized for sexual abuse. Cupich refuted Vigan²’s claims, calling them “ideological.”