In a move that has drawn both praise and criticism, Pope Leo XIV has named Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, to the Pontifical Commission for the Vatican City State. The appointment was confirmed in a Holy See bulletin on October 15.
The Commission, the Vatican City State’s legislative body, handles a wide range of civil responsibilities, from public order, health, and environment to oversight of the Vatican Museums and administration of economic and postal services. While the commission may draft laws or regulations, all such proposals must ultimately receive papal approval before becoming effective.
This appointment comes during Leo’s early tenure, as he fills key roles within the Vatican’s governance structure. In addition to Cupich, Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Vicar General of Rome, was also appointed. Four existing members of the Commission — Cardinals Kevin Farrell, Arthur Roche, Lazarus You Heung-sik, and Claudio Gugerotti — were re-confirmed to complete their term. The sitting Commission is presided over by Sister Raffaella Petrini, the first woman to occupy that post.
Why This Appointment Matters
From a governance perspective, Cupich’s presence on the Commission gives him a voice in the civil administration of the Vatican. Though the role is not doctrinal, it places him closer to the operational heart of the Vatican City State. Some observers in Rome see the move as a sign of confidence by Pope Leo, especially given the pope’s personal ties to Chicago.
Yet for many Catholics, the decision raises serious concerns, primarily because of controversies surrounding Cardinal Cupich, according to LifeSiteNews. He has been criticized by fellow U.S. bishops for his previous plan to award pro-abortion Senator Dick Durbin a “lifetime achievement” award. That plan drew rebuke from bishops including Bishop Thomas Paprocki and Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, who warned of the risk of “grave scandal.” Cupich defended himself by asserting that Catholic teaching on life and dignity “cannot be reduced to a single issue, even an issue as important as abortion.”
After the backlash, Durbin declined the award. Moreover, when asked by reporters, Pope Leo seemed to echo Cupich’s broader framework, stating:
“Someone who says I’m against abortion but says I’m in favor of the death penalty is not really pro-life …”
“Someone who says I’m against abortion but I’m in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants … I don’t know if that’s pro-life.”
These remarks have drawn sharp commentary from critics who feel they relativize or conflate very different moral issues.
Another flashpoint is Cupich’s record on liturgy. He has placed significant restrictions on the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) within his archdiocese and has criticized “traditionalism” as what he termed the “dead faith of the living.” Some Catholic commentators see this as further evidence of his theological and pastoral approach diverging from what they regard as more orthodox positions.
Given all this, the appointment is polarizing; for supporters, it signals Leo’s intent to bring someone with administrative experience and loyalty into the Vatican’s inner workings; for critics, it seems to reinforce concerns about priorities and direction in Church leadership.
Reactions Among the Faithful
Liturgical scholar Peter Kwasniewski offered a more measured take, urging Catholics not to “freak out” over the appointment. He noted that the commission is “a minor appointment” and speculated that perhaps the pope’s motive was to lessen Cupich’s influence elsewhere.
Yet the broader conversation among Catholics is bound to intensify, particularly over how this aligns with Pope Leo’s trajectory on liturgy, Church discipline, and engagement with public morality.
Looking Ahead: What to Watch
- Commission influence vs. oversight: Although the Commission has civil functions, its laws and decisions must pass through the pope. How much practical authority Cupich will wield remains to be seen.
- Liturgical policy: Observers will watch whether Cupich’s expanded Vatican role is accompanied by further moves regarding liturgy or sacramental discipline.
- Pontifical direction: The appointment helps signal where Pope Leo may be steering his papacy — balancing administrative competence, loyalty, and perhaps a more expansive view of what “pro-life” encompasses.
- Reception in U.S. dioceses: Many American bishops and faithful are dissatisfied with Cupich’s policies; this Vatican elevation may sharpen those tensions.
In sum, the elevation of Cardinal Cupich to the Vatican’s civil governing commission is more than a bureaucratic reshuffle. It is a statement, about trust, governance, and the evolving shape of papal appointments under Leo XIV. For faithful Catholics watching closely, it intensifies the stakes of understanding the direction in which the Church is moving.
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