Blase Joseph Cupich
Stored: Blase Joseph Cupich
| His Eminence Blase Joseph Cupich | |
| Bishop of Archdiocese of Chicago | |
| Home diocese: | Diocese of Omaha |
| Other diocese 1: | Diocese of Rapid City |
| Other diocese 2: | Diocese of Spokane |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 16 August 1975 by Archbishop Daniel E. Sheehan |
| Consecration: | 21 September 1998 by Archbishop Harry Joseph Flynn |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 19 November 2016 by Pope Francis |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Blase Joseph Cupich 19 March 1949 Omaha, Nebraska, United States |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | American |
| Education: | Pontifical Gregorian University, University of St. Thomas, Creighton University |
| Motto: | "Pax et Veritas" (Peace and Truth) |
| Role: | Diocesan |
| Theology: | Progressive |
| Region: | North America |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Cardinal Blase Joseph Cupich, born March 19, 1949, is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, serving as Archbishop of Chicago since 2014 and as one of the United States’ most prominent progressive cardinals. Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2016, Cupich is a close ally of Francis, advocating for social justice, immigration reform, gun control, and greater inclusion of marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ Catholics, while promoting synodality and environmental stewardship. His leadership in Chicago, one of the largest U.S. archdioceses with over 2.2 million Catholics, has focused on addressing urban violence, racial inequality, and clerical abuse, though his progressive stances have drawn criticism from conservative Catholics for perceived leniency on doctrinal issues. At 76, Cupich is a key participant in the 2025 papal conclave, starting May 7, where his alignment with Francis’ vision and his role as a “kingmaker” among American cardinals position him as a significant influencer, though his American nationality and progressive views reduce his papabile prospects.[1][2][3][4]
Ordained a priest in 1975, Cupich served as Bishop of Rapid City (1998–2010) and Bishop of Spokane (2010–2014) before being appointed Archbishop of Chicago, succeeding the conservative Cardinal Francis George. His tenure has included implementing Francis’ reforms, such as Amoris Laetitia and Fiducia Supplicans, and addressing abuse scandals through transparency measures, though some critics argue he has not gone far enough. A member of the Congregation for Bishops and a vocal supporter of the 2023 Synod on Synodality, Cupich’s multilingual skills (English, Spanish, Latin) and global perspective enhance his influence. In 2025, his participation in the conclave alongside other American cardinals like Joseph Tobin underscores his role in shaping the Church’s future, with recent statements calling for a pope who prioritizes dialogue and mercy.[1][5][6][4]
Biography
Birth and early life
Blase Joseph Cupich was born on March 19, 1949, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Blase Stanley Cupich and Mary Helen Mayhan, one of nine children in a Croatian-American Catholic family. Raised in a working-class neighborhood, his faith was shaped by his parents’ devotion and the vibrant parish life at Sts. Peter and Paul Church. His early life was marked by the social upheavals of the 1960s, influencing his later commitment to social justice.[1][2][7]
Educated at St. John Vianney Minor Seminary in Omaha, Cupich discerned a priestly vocation in his teens, inspired by Vatican II’s call for a renewed Church. His Croatian heritage and family’s emphasis on community service fostered his pastoral sensitivity, evident in his later advocacy for immigrants and the marginalized.[1][3]
Education
Cupich studied philosophy at the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1971. He pursued theology at the North American College in Rome, obtaining a Bachelor of Sacred Theology (1974) and a Master of Arts in theology (1975) from the Pontifical Gregorian University. He later earned a Doctor of Sacred Theology from the Catholic University of America (1987), focusing on sacramental theology.[1][2][8]
His Roman education exposed him to global Catholicism, while his doctoral work emphasized pastoral applications of liturgy. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Latin, Cupich’s studies included pastoral assignments in Omaha parishes, grounding his academic training in ministry.[2][7]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest on August 16, 1975, by Archbishop Daniel E. Sheehan for the Diocese of Omaha, Cupich served as associate pastor at St. Margaret Mary Parish and taught at Creighton Preparatory School. He was rector of the Pontifical College Josephinum (1989–1996) and pastor of St. Mary Parish in Bellevue, Nebraska (1996–1998). His early ministry focused on education, youth formation, and community outreach.[1][2][8]
Cupich’s priesthood was shaped by his commitment to social issues, including support for immigrants and the poor. His administrative roles, including secretary to the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, D.C. (1981–1987), honed his diplomatic skills, preparing him for episcopal leadership.[1][7]
Bishop
Appointed Bishop of Rapid City by Pope John Paul II on July 7, 1998, Cupich was consecrated on September 21, 1998, by Archbishop Harry Joseph Flynn. He served as Bishop of Spokane (2010–2014) before being named Archbishop of Chicago in 2014 by Pope Francis, succeeding Cardinal Francis George. Elevated to cardinal in 2016, he received the titular church of San Bartolomeo all’Isola.[1][8]
As Archbishop, Cupich implemented Francis’ reforms, supporting Amoris Laetitia and Fiducia Supplicans, and addressed abuse scandals with transparency measures. His advocacy for gun control, immigration reform, and racial justice has drawn both praise and criticism. In 2025, he participates in the May 7 conclave, calling for a pope of dialogue and mercy.[5][3][6][4]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diocese of Rapid City | Bishop | 7 July 1998 | 30 June 2010 | Promoted rural ministry |
| Diocese of Spokane | Bishop | 30 June 2010 | 20 September 2014 | Emphasized social justice |
| Archdiocese of Chicago | Archbishop | 20 September 2014 | Present | Elevated to cardinal in 2016, implemented Francis’ reforms |
Significant events
- Ordained priest for the Diocese of Omaha in 1975.[2]
- Appointed Bishop of Rapid City in 1998.[1]
- Named Bishop of Spokane in 2010.[8]
- Appointed Archbishop of Chicago in 2014.[1]
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2016.[1]
- Supported Amoris Laetitia implementation, 2016.[5]
- Advocated for gun control and immigration reform, 2017–2025.[3]
- Supported Fiducia Supplicans on same-sex blessings, 2023.[4]
- Participated in the 2023 Synod on Synodality.[1]
- Participated in the 2025 papal conclave, starting May 7, as a “kingmaker.”[3][6][4]
Books
Written about the bishop
No specific biographies dedicated to Cardinal Cupich were identified
Written by the bishop
- Unleash the Power of Prayer by Blase J. Cupich (2018, ISBN 978-1593253561)
External links
- Blase Joseph Cupich
- Biography of Cardinal Blase J. Cupich
- Vatican Biography of Cardinal Blase Joseph Cupich
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 "Blase J. Cupich". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blase_J._Cupich.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "Cardinal Blase Joseph Cupich". Vatican Press. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinals_bio_cupich_bj.html.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "Cardinal Cupich prepares for conclave". Chicago Tribune. 2025-04-23. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/04/23/cardinal-cupich-conclave-pope-francis-successor/.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Posts found on X, April 2025
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Cardinal Cupich on the 2025 conclave". National Catholic Reporter. 2025-04-27. https://www.ncronline.org/news/cardinal-cupich-conclave-2025-church-future.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Cardinals hold sixth general congregation". Catholic News Agency. 2025-04-29. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/260241/cardinals-hold-sixth-general-congregation-confirm-2-electors-will-not-be-at-conclave.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "Cardinal Blase J. Cupich". Archdiocese of Chicago. https://www.archchicago.org/about-us/our-bishop/cardinal-blase-j-cupich.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 "Blase Joseph Cupich". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bcupich.html.