Catholic World News

Archbishop Cupich named member of Congregation for Bishops

July 07, 2016

Pope Francis has named Archbishop Blase Cupich of Chicago a member of the Congregation for Bishops.

The Congregation’s members, whether curial prelates or diocesan bishops like Archbishop Cupich (who remains Archbishop of Chicago), assist the Congregation’s prefect and secretary in making recommendations to the Pope for the appointment of bishops in non-mission Latin-rite dioceses. The appointment of Archbishop Cupich gives him considerable influence in the selection of new bishops, especially for the US.

The Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples recommends the appointment of bishops in mission territories; members of curial congregations automatically cease to be so at the age of 80.

In December 2013, Pope Francis confirmed Cardinal Marc Ouellet as the Congregation’s prefect but reconstituted its membership, retaining 18 members and appointing 12 new ones. Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington was among the new members, while Cardinal Raymond Burke was among those not retained.

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