CHICAGO, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- Pope Francis on Saturday named Spokane, Wash., Bishop Blase Cupich as the replacement for Cardinal Francis George as archbishop of Chicago.
Cupich, 65, will be the new archbishop of Chicago, the first time leadership has changed for the city's Catholics in 17 years.
The Nebraska native, who is seen as a progressive within the church, will take over the post Nov. 18.
The appointment is the pontiff's most important appointment in the U.S. so far. It is also one that could end years of conservative dominance in American hierarchy in the church.
