The Cardinal and Archbishop of Chicago’s interventionism in matters of internal and ecclesiastical politics, such as his attacks on the ancient rite, risks causing difficulties for the Pope, who favours unity.
Leo XIV has a problem called Blase Cupich. The loquacity of America’s most liberal cardinal risks putting his fellow countryman, the Pope, in a difficult position. Recently, the Archbishop of Chicago decided to lead the opposition against the Trump administration. In several television appearances, he accused government officials of lying about the death of Alex Pretti. Furthermore, when discussing the tensions in Minneapolis, he drew a risky analogy with Nazi atrocities. This latest criticism of Trump comes shortly after the bombastic letter he signed with two other ultra-progressive cardinals, Robert McElroy and Joseph Tobin. The letter questioned ‘the moral role of the US in the world’ and criticised its ‘destructive policies’ in Venezuela and the Arctic.
Cupich’s interventionism is not limited to domestic politics, but also extends to ecclesiastical matters. Commenting on the liturgy report prepared by Cardinal Arthur Roche for the Extraordinary Consistory, Cupich dusted off one of his favourite themes, criticising the faithful of the Tridentine Mass in an editorial published on the diocese’s website. “In line with his predecessor St Pius V, there must be only one rite to preserve the unity of the Church,” Cupich wrote in defence of the apostolic letter Traditionis Custodes (2021), promulgated by Pope Francis. ‘It would be trivial to read the tensions, unfortunately present around the celebration, as a simple divergence between different tastes regarding a particular ritual form. The issue is primarily ecclesiological,’ he declared, citing an alleged refusal to accept the Second Vatican Council among those participating in celebrations according to the 1962 Missal. By doing so, Cupich and Roche have dismissed Benedict XVI, who probably knew more about ecclesiology than they do.
Continue reading at the Daily Compass