A day in the life of Archbishop-Designate Cupich

SPOKANE, Wash. (WLS) -- Archbishop-Designate Blase Cupich, Chicago's next Roman Catholic archbishop, spent the day with ABC7 Eyewitness News anchor Alan Krashesky on Thursday in Spokane, Washington.

Wednesday, Catholic schools officials in Chicago announced a consolidation plan that will close six schools and reorganize others. Archbishop Cupich says he's been briefed on the plan and thinks archdiocese officials got it right.

"I think they really wanted to make sure that they didn't make this about buildings, they wanted to make it about young people and families," he said. "And, the reconfiguration is designed to strengthen the school system so that those resources can be put to best possible use."

Archbishop Cupich also plans to become the first Archbishop of Chicago to not live in the historic State Street mansion since it was built in 1885.

The next archbishop of Chicago says he plans a year of discussions before deciding what to do with the historic archbishop's mansion.

He says he wants to make sure they're not overlooking a better use for the Gold Coast property and says he chose to live in the Holy Name rectory to be close to the action.

"I want to be where I can celebrate Mass daily when possible," he said. "I need that kind of nourishment but also interaction with people and living in the Cathedral you're right downtown, you're there."

Archbishop Cupich had much more to say on a variety of topics. Tune in to ABC7 throughout the day on Friday to hear more about Alan Krashesky's day in the life of Chicago's next archbishop.