Many Catholics, especially moderates and liberals, are praising Pope Francis’s choice for the new archbishop of Chicago, Bishop Blase Cupich of Spokane. The 65-year-old succeeds Cardinal Francis George, who is retiring after serving there 17 years. Cupich is widely seen as a moderate who focuses on social justice, in contrast to the more conservative George, who has emphasized such issues as abortion. Cupich said he would not lead with a particular agenda:

Bishop Blasé Cupich: “I’m going to try to be attentive to what the Lord wants. Maybe if there’s moderation in that, then I’m a moderate.”