Loading...
Loading...
Click here if you don’t see subscription options
Cardinal-designate Blase J. Cupich of Chicago is pictured with St. Peter's Basilica in the background in Rome Oct. 13. The cardinal-designate is one of 17 new cardinals to be created by Pope Francis at a Vatican consistory Nov. 19. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

A 5 a.m. wake-up call from a friend in Rome alerted Cardinal-designate Blase J. Cupich of Chicago to the news that Pope Francis had added his name to the list of church leaders soon to be made cardinals. The previous six archbishops of Chicago received a red hat, but Pope Francis has recently skipped over several archdioceses traditionally led by cardinals. “This pope is a pope of surprises. So I think it wasn’t something I had my heart set on,” he said. But that was not the pope’s only surprise. He named two other U.S. prelates, Joseph W. Tobin of Indianapolis and Kevin J. Farrell, former bishop of Dallas who is now prefect of the newly created Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. Choosing these three shows Pope Francis “values the experience of the church in our country,” the Chicago archbishop said. “Especially the way that we have worked to integrate immigrants into our country.” Cardinal-designate Cupich will receive his red hat along with 16 other new cardinals at a consistory in Rome on Nov. 19.

Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.

The latest from america

The conclave that begins next Wednesday to elect a successor for Pope Francis is the first in 46 ½ years for which the Vatican hasn’t ordered a set of cassocks from the two best-known papal tailors.
Papabile: How do conclave watchers come up with their lists of the next pope—and should we trust them?
Inside the VaticanMay 01, 2025
The people of God see the bishop of Rome as a teacher, but they also unquestionably see him as a father.
J.D. Long GarcíaMay 01, 2025
Since the death of Pope Francis, lists of his possible successors have proliferated on social media and in newspapers. Should you trust them?
Colleen DulleMay 01, 2025