Chicago Archbishop Blase J. Cupich has emerged as a significant voice within the American Catholic Church, particularly during a period of heightened political and social division. While respected within the Church for years, his profile has risen sharply since the 2016 election, positioning him as a key counterpoint to the populist rhetoric of the “MAGA” movement and a consistent advocate for ethical considerations in public life. Now 77, Cupich’s influence extends beyond the archdiocese of Chicago, shaping the national conversation on issues ranging from immigration to foreign policy.
The archbishop’s willingness to publicly challenge prevailing political winds has distinguished him among American Catholic leaders. He often collaborates with fellow cardinals Robert McElroy of Washington and Joseph Tobin of Newark, forming a progressive bloc within the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. This collaboration has been particularly evident in their joint statements addressing pressing national and international concerns, offering a moral framework often absent in contemporary political discourse. Understanding the role of Cardinal Cupich’s leadership requires recognizing his commitment to social justice and his alignment with the priorities of Pope Francis.
A Response to Shifting Political Landscapes
On January 19, 2023, Cupich, McElroy, and Tobin released a joint statement expressing deep concern over the direction of U.S. Foreign policy under the Trump administration. The statement specifically cited interventions in Venezuela and the former president’s expressed interest in acquiring Greenland as examples of a troubling disregard for ethical considerations on the global stage. They argued that, “Since the end of the Cold War, the United States has not experienced such an intense and painful debate about the moral foundation of its actions in the rest of the world.” The cardinals called for a foreign policy rooted in ethical principles, rejecting the prioritization of force and profit. They emphasized that military action should be reserved for “extreme situations” and not turn into a routine tool of national policy.
This wasn’t an isolated incident. Cupich has consistently spoken out against policies he deems harmful or unjust. In early March 2024, he publicly criticized a video released by the U.S. Military that intermixed Hollywood-style war footage with actual images of strikes in Iran, calling it a dangerous normalization of violence. “We lose our humanity,” he stated, “when we are fascinated by the destructive power of our armed forces. […] I know that the American people are better than that.”
From Humble Beginnings to Archbishop of Chicago
Blase Joseph Cupich’s journey to the leadership of one of the largest Catholic dioceses in the United States began in a modest household in Omaha, Nebraska. Born in 1948, he was one of nine children; his father worked as a postal worker. His family’s roots trace back to Croatian immigrants, a background that instilled in him a deep empathy for the struggles of migrants and a commitment to welcoming newcomers. The Archdiocese of Chicago provides a detailed biography outlining his early life and education.
Cupich’s formative years were spent in Rome, where he received his theological training at the American College and the Pontifical Gregorian University, a Jesuit institution. This immersion in Catholic scholarship and international perspectives shaped his worldview and prepared him for a life of service within the Church. He was ordained a priest in 1975 and steadily rose through the ranks, serving in various administrative and pastoral roles before being appointed Archbishop of Chicago by Pope Francis in 2014, succeeding the highly-regarded Cardinal Francis George.
A Pope Francis Appointee and a Shift in Tone
Pope Francis’s appointment of Cupich to Chicago signaled a deliberate effort to reshape the American episcopate. The selection reflected a shared emphasis on social justice, pastoral care, and a more inclusive approach to Church teachings. Unlike some of his more conservative counterparts, Cupich prioritizes dialogue and understanding over confrontation, echoing the pontiff’s call for a Church that is “a field hospital for wounded soldiers.”
In his inaugural homily as Archbishop of Chicago, Cupich articulated this vision, stating, “As Church, we should not fear to depart the security of familiar shores, the tranquility of the summit of our assurance to confront the mess.” This willingness to embrace complexity and engage with challenging issues has become a hallmark of his leadership. He has consistently championed the cause of migrants, advocating for humane immigration policies and providing support to those seeking refuge in the United States.
Looking Ahead
Cardinal Cupich’s influence within the American Catholic Church and the broader public sphere is likely to continue. As the Church navigates complex social and political challenges, his voice will remain a crucial one, advocating for a more just and compassionate world. The ongoing Synod on Synodality, a global process initiated by Pope Francis to foster greater participation and collaboration within the Church, is expected to be a key focus in the coming years, and Cupich is expected to play a significant role in its implementation within the United States. The next major event to watch is the November 2024 U.S. Presidential election and the potential impact of its outcome on the issues Cupich has consistently championed, including immigration and social justice.
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