Chicago's incoming Roman Catholic archbishop will follow in the footsteps of Pope Francis and exchange a lavishly-appointed mansion for a modest rectory.
Archbishop Blasé Cupich could take up residence in the historic North State Parkway dwelling.
Built in 1885, it has 19 chimneys, sits on 1.7 acres of prime real estate and is worth at least $14.3 million, though it could fetch far more if it were sold. Near the main residence is a 5,800 square foot coach house which accommodates three nuns who act as staff.
However, Archbishop Cupich has chosen to live in the far more modest rectory at Holy Name Cathedral. A statement from the archdiocese referred to "his expressed desire to reside in a place where he could be most effective in serving all the people in the Archdiocese of Chicago". When his schedule permits, the Archbishop intends to say daily Mass at the Cathedral.
A committee will be created to consider the best uses for the historic mansion.
Archbishop Cupich is following the example of Pope Francis, who chose to live in the Vatican guest house with other priests rather than in the sumptuous papal apartments. When he was first taken to the apartments after his election he is reported to have said: "There's room for 300 people here. I don't need all this space."
Since his election, Pope Francis has sought to return the Roman Catholic Church to a focus on the poor, and while doctrinally conservative has encouraged clergy to develop a pastoral heart.
According to Vatican commentator John Allen, Archbishop Cupich's appointment marks the arrival of the "Francis revolution" in the United States. It follows the appointments of three other archbishops, in Cologne, Madrid and Sydney. Allen said: "By now, the profile of a 'Francis bishop' has come into focus: Ideologically, moderates rather than hardliners; pastorally, men who place special emphasis on concern for the poor and those at the margins; and personally, leaders who aren't flashy personality types, with a reputation for being accessible and hands-on."
Archbishop Cupich's last appointment was as Bishop of Spokane, Washington. The diocese was badly hit by abuse scandals and declared bankruptcy in 2004. It paid at least $48 million in compensation to victims, which came from insurance companies, the sale of property and donations.
In a statement on his appointment, Bishop Cupich said, "I bow my head in the hope that everyone in Chicago will pray for me in the days ahead."
He succeeds the traditionalist Cardinal Francis George.
