Signaling that there may be a deterioration of confidence in Cardinal Cupich among members of the Priests of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Cardinal Blase Cupich has scheduled a closed-door meeting with them to discuss the current crisis facing the Church.
The invitation for the meeting which will take place this evening (Wednesday, September 12) was sent to all Priests in the Chicago Archdiocese.
It takes place a day before Pope Francis plans to sit down Thursday with key American Bishops who have requested a meeting on the sex abuse crisis.
Though the meeting isn't mandatory, a second email was forwarded on Tuesday instructing attendees to print out the invitation and bring it with them, as the meeting is considered a private conversation with the Cardinal.
"One of my major concerns in this moment of suffering for many in the church is you," Cupich's letter to Chicago Priests read in part. He further states that he will be available "to discuss any issues or answer any questions you wish to raise with me."
Since it was revealed earlier this summer that Cardinal Theodore McCarrick was removed after allegations of abuse, there have been unanswered questions of who knew what when.
The meeting with Priests follows news of an earlier meeting the Cardinal held with seminarians.
Last week, Cardinal Cupich was briefly in Rome to speak at a training for new Bishops. It remains unclear if the Cardinal met with Vatican leaders on the crisis, but he has said "I stand ready to do my part."
What that “part” may entail for His Eminence will enfold in the days and weeks ahead.
For the moment, confidence in his ability to lead the Archdiocese of Chicago has waned in light of recent revelations and allegations.
The results of this evening’s meeting with his Priests will be great interest to the faithful of Chicago and elsewhere in the American Church.
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