Cupich may not live in historic residence

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Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Cupich may not live in historic residence.
Chicago's next archbishop is hinting that he may not live in the same home where Francis Cardinal George lives.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago's next archbishop is hinting that he may not live in the same home where Francis Cardinal George lives. Archbishops have lived in the Gold Coast residence for nearly 150 years.

During a news conference Monday afternoon, Archbishop Cupich welcomed the Chicago spirit, donning a Bears cap and scarf. He says he's excited to learn more about the city.

One of the big questions for him today was if he would live in the archbishop's residence. The multi-million dollar house in the Gold Coast has housed more than half a dozen archbishops since 1885.

However, a home that glamorous goes against what he preaches, which is to help the less fortunate.

In 2002, Cardinal Francis George said he wanted to sell the residence because it was too much house for a humble servant of god.

When asked about why it was never sold, the Church said Cardinal George was advised against it by the Archdiocesan Finance Council.

Pope Francis has not been shy to take action against bishops who live lavishly. In march, he removed a German bishop for spending $43 million on a new home.

Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Atlanta decided to sell a $2 million home amid controversy of its cost.

The future of the residence in Chicago has not yet been decided.