Pope Francis Appoints Archbishop Cupich to 'Kingmaker' Role on Advisory Panel

Chicago, IL -- Pope Francis announced the appointment of Archbishop Blase Cupich to a “kingmaker” role on the Vatican’s Congregation of Bishops, which will decide the next generation of bishops in the United States and around the world.

The Congregation for Bishops is composed of roughly 30 senior prelates from around the world. The panel submits recommendations for new bishops’ appointments to the pope. Although the pontiff has the final word, he usually accepts the panel’s decisions, explained the online Catholic publication Crux.

The Congregation for Bishops is considered among the two or three most influential departments in the Vatican. An appointment to the prestigious panel generally signals they have the favor of the present pope, Crux said.

Cupich is paired with Cardinal Donald Wuerl, of the Archdiocese of Washington (D.C.), who will help shape the next generation of bishops.

The Congregation for Bishops is presently led by Cardinal Marc Ouellet of Canada, who was appointed by emeritus Pope Benedict XVI.

Cupich’s appointment comes just weeks after American Cardinal William Levada left the congregation. Levada turned 80 in June, according to the Catholic news publication.

Pope Francis appointed Cupich Archbishop of Chicago last September, replacing Cardinal Francis George.

The Chicago prelate was also among 45 bishops appointed by Pope Francis to participate in the 2015 Ordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family.

Since his election as pope in March 2013, Pope Francis has stated that he is looking to appoint humble prayerful men “with the smell of the sheep.”

Michael Budde, professor of political science and Catholic studies at DePaul University, told the Chicago Tribune that Cupich exudes the qualities of concern for the poor and outcast that the pope is looking for appointing pastors to lead dioceses around the world.

The appointment is effective immediately. It doesn’t not affect Cupich’s role as leader of the Archdiocese of Chicago, according to the archdiocese.
"I am humbled by the Holy Father's trust and confidence in me," Cupich said in a statement released to news media. "While my primary responsibility remains here in the Archdiocese of Chicago, I look forward to joining other members of the Congregation for Bishops to serve the Pope and the Church in this ministry."