Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, responds to the passing of Pope Francis

CHICAGO (WLS) — Cardinal Blasé Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, has released a statement following the death of Pope Francis.

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Cardinal Cupich’s statement mentioned the news of Pope Francis’s passing and expressed deep gratitude for his papacy. The Cardinal called for remembrance of the Pope’s teachings on empathy and prayer for his soul. He emphasized the importance of reshaping our attitudes to align with Pope Francis’s values, particularly in how we relate to others. Cardinal Cupich urged for unity in sustaining the Church’s mission of providing hope and support to those in need as a fitting tribute to Pope Francis.

Cupich was appointed as Archbishop of Chicago by Pope Francis in 2014 and then in 2016, the pope elevated Cupich to Cardinal.

Cardinal Cupich recently sat down with ABC7 to talk about the legacy Pope Francis leaves on the Catholic Church and the world.

Cardinal Cupich also highlighted Pope Francis’s dedication to the marginalized and his commitment to simplicity and environmental stewardship. He recalled a cardinal’s words to the Pope on his election, reminding him not to overlook the poor, which Cupich believed resonated with Pope Francis’s own background and principles. The Cardinal praised Pope Francis for embodying compassion towards the less fortunate, a value reflected in his concern for both people in need and the planet.