Cardinal Cupich speaks on Trump's recent criticism of Pope Leo, reflects on Pope Francis' legacy

CHICAGO (WLS) -- One year after the death of Pope Francis, Cardinal Blase Cupich is reflecting on how his legacy lives on.

In a one-on-one interview with ABC7's Tanja Babich, the archbishop of Chicago also shared his thoughts on President Donald Trump's recent criticism of Pope Leo, who is wrapping up his trip to Africa.

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"To portray his remarks during the trip as a, kind of a continuing of a back-and-forth with the president is wrong because those speeches were two weeks ago, and he's addressing issues that have to do with Africa. So, it's a misreading. It's a misinterpretation," Cupich said.

Babich asked Cupich if the pope sees advocating for peace as his highest calling in this moment and in the first year of his papacy.

"I think he made that clear when he walked out on the balcony and he said, 'Peace be with you.' Around the globe, there are conflicts, and people seem to want to resort to violence and war tactics in order to solve their differences. And he is saying, no, there has to be a better way," Cupich said.

Cupich said elaborating on the pope's words is part of his role.

"Yes, the word amplifying, making, interpreting, making present the words of the Holy Father is part of our responsibility as cardinals," he said.

Cupich also commented on Trump's use of imagery that depicted him in a Jesus-like role, as well as the president calling the pope weak on crime.

"I think there's a misunderstanding about the role of the pope. He's not a rival, a political rival. He doesn't wield any kind of military political power. And so, I think that his role in the world and in the church is much different than any elected politician," Cupich said.

When asked about the impact of global conflict on church communities, Cupich said, "There are many social needs that we have that are being neglected because resources are being spent for to make weapons."

Cupich was also asked how his role has changed since the election of Pope Leo.

"Well, I would say that it's not too much different than what I had with Pope Francis, whose anniversary of death is this week. Just think, you know, we were a year ago in this moment, doing the funeral of the pope. But I would say that the access that I had with Francis continues with Leo," Cupich said.