Archbishop Designate Blase Cupich fits Pope Francis' model

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago's new Catholic archbishop is working in town this week. Archbishop-Designate Blase Cupich is attending the Catholic Extension Society in north suburban Lincolnshire.

The organization supports the work of the Catholic church in some of the poorest areas of the United States. Over the weekend, Cupich traveled to his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska after being introduced as the successor to Francis Cardinal George at the Chicago Archdiocese.

Cupich was appointed by Pope Francis, and, judging by his interviews, follows the pope's model for the church.

"I want people to make sure that they're somewhat indulgent, the fact that I'm a frail human being with limitations and sinfulness," Cupich said.

He has an ease in admitting that he'll make mistakes, but hopes to learn from them. And as Pope Francis asked for prayer when he was named pontiff, so too did Archbishop Cupich.

"Pray for me, in the days ahead," he said on Saturday.

The man who would become archbishop may have elevated his chances while giving a speech last June at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. where he frames the views of Pope Francis on economics and individual freedom.

"Instead of approaching life from 30,000 feet, in the level of ideas, the pope challenges policymakers and elected officials, and in fact all of us, to experience the life of everyday and real people," Cupich said last June.

In the same way that Cardinal George was different from his predecessor, Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, 17-years ago, Chicago Catholics can expect a different turn again.

"I think it's reasonable to expect that there will be different emphases and different approaches. That's normal," Cupich said Saturday.

The emphases will certainly include the poor, the growth in catholic Hispanics, and trying to reach those who - for whatever reason - turned their back on the church.

"All I can do is pledge that I will work at it and have an open door to it. And uh, let the grace of God work. It's not going to be anything that I'm going to be able to do myself," he said.