Pope Francis begins to reshape American hierarchy

Pope Francis, who has been a very popular pontiff in his first two years, initiated his change in the U.S. this week by naming Bishop Blase Cupich to the influential post as the new archbishop of Chicago. according to the AP on Sept. 20.

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This is a major change since he replaces Cardinal Francis George, who was a very conservative and often divisive figure. 

Cupich, who is the bishop of Spokane, is considered to be a moderate and a member of the Catholic Church's progressive wing, according to Religious News Service. In fact, the RNS wrote that the appointment was very upsetting to conservatives. "It indicated that the appointment "could upend decades of the American hierarchy."

The Associated Press indicated that this appointment shows the direction that he is going to take with the U.S. church. "Cupich is Pope Francis' first major appointment in the U.S. and the clearest indication yet of the direction he wants to steer American church leaders."

George was considered to be a lightning rod for many, taking hard right stands in what are called the "culture wars." Cupich explained that gay marriage is wrong based on Catholic teaching, the approach should be approached in a civil manner.

Cupich, and Francis, earned plaudits from the president of Notre Dame, the largest Catholic university in the U.S. Rev. John Jenkins told the AP that Cupich "will be a pastorally dedicated, theologically astute and visionary leader in line with Francis' transformative papacy."

In addition, Cupich has been at the forefront of correcting the damage done by the clergy sexual abuse crisis. As a chairman of the child's protection committee in the U.S., he said that was "committed" to healing the wounds from the crisis and pledged to "work hard on this and make it an important part of my ministry," according to the AP.

Patrick T. Reardon, a Catholic writer from Chicago, gave this advice to Cupich as he assumes the archbishop's role in the Windy City: It’s a weighty responsibility, and here’s a piece of advice: Take a page from Pope Francis’s book, and act as a servant rather than a scolder. Your job, as I see it, is to be a pastor and a teacher, not to be a disciplinarian. We’ve had enough scolding."

The reaction of conservatives has not yet become clear, but they are unlikely to approve such an appointment.