Summary
With Ronald Hicks’ appointment as archbishop of New York, four former direct collaborators of Cardinal Cupich have now reached top-level metropolitan sees within just over a year. These include the current archbishops of Milwaukee, Omaha, and Cincinnati. All held key positions in the Archdiocese of Chicago after Cupich’s arrival in 2015, including several becoming auxiliary bishops under his governance. Cupich’s influence extends beyond his personal weight; he has been part of the Dicastery for Bishops for over a decade and maintained an especially close relationship with Pope Francis. His dual role in Rome and Chicago enabled him to promote collaborators through influential appointments, such as that of Cardinal Robert McElroy in Washington. Since Cupich’s arrival in Chicago in 2015, eleven auxiliary bishops have been appointed within the archdiocese in three major waves (2018, 2020, and 2025). This has resulted in a large number of auxiliaries being called upon by Rome to fill vacant sees across the country. Cupich favors profiles that are effective in management and prudent in public matters, avoiding bishops who make media denunciation a priority. Despite submitting his resignation due to age, Cardinal Cupich’s influence will continue as the bishops trained under his tutelage, including those appointed by him such as McElroy, will rely on him for guidance during their early years of governance.
Key Topics
Vatican City, Cardinal Cupich, Bishop appointment
