#ChiStories Podcast: Cardinal Cupich
What is the role of religion and faith in ending violence?
In time for the holiday season, Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, visited City Hall to discuss his thoughts on immigration, addressing violence, and creating stronger connections among people and youth across the city. The Cardinal also recently returned from a four-day trip to Puerto Rico where he met with survivors of Hurricane Maria and distributed supplies.
This week on Chicago Stories podcast, Cardinal Blase Cupich shares with Mayor Emanuel his keen observation of society and how people are becoming increasingly divided because of where they get their information. Yet Chicagoans all share a common interest in issues like immigration and ending violence in the city. Connecting to each other — not only during the holidays, but creating deeper bonds and seeing one’s place and role in society — can help thwart violence.
“Once kids begin to realize that they are connected to a greater good and greater whole, then that will lessen the possibility that they will act out violently, because it creates empathy.”
The Cardinal also weighed in on DACA, Dreamers and their vulnerability, urging America to come to its senses.
“We are an immigrant nation. This should not even be a question… We are losing our soul as a country if we don’t do this. This should be an easy yes.”
Born in Omaha, Cardinal Cupich attended Catholic high school in Nebraska, was voted student body president and studied philosophy in college in St. Paul, Minnesota. All roads lead to Rome — one thing led to another, and the Cardinal soon rose to becoming a leader in the Catholic church not just in the Midwest but nationally and internationally. Cardinal Cupich also served as a Bishop in Spokane, Washington and Rapid City, South Dakota on Indian reservations — honing many of his views on how to engage with the world around him.
Listen to the podcast as the Cardinal and the Mayor discuss:
00:46 — Coming home
05:00 — Finding the threads of commonality
07:00 — Food fights and the path to becoming a Cardinal
10:30 — Ministering on Native American reservations
12:00 — Disconnected youth
22:38 — Chicago City Key Municipal ID
24:00 — Influence of other faiths
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