Pope promoted Cupich

Regarding Chris Carlson’s Feb. 1 Roundtable article critical of Bishop Blase Cupich for filing a lawsuit against the firm Cupich felt did not satisfactorily represent the Spokane Diocese in its bankruptcy case: Carlson condemns Cupich for not following the example of Pope Francis. But the pope seemingly does not agree with Carlson, as Francis recently promoted Cupich to become archbishop of Chicago.

The pope more likely felt that Cupich did what only a good shepherd might do in looking out for the welfare of his flock by seeking some restitution. After all, it was the laity who ended up forking over millions of their dollars to make good paying off a situation for which they were totally innocent.

God knows the big winners in all of this, for sure, were the lawyers. The losers were those who had to pay the bills, and the accused priests who were never given due process and an opportunity to face their accusers.

While the details of the settlement reached between the law firm and the Spokane Diocese are not provided, we may assume that the diocese might well have received some remuneration as a result of Cupich’s action. Carlson also includes in his article a harsh criticism of a bishop in Indiana for his adherence to Catholic doctrine. It is my belief that that is exactly what we expected of him. And I believe so would Pope Francis.

Eugene Cunneely Sr.

Spokane