The Pope has appointed Archbishop Blase Cupich of Chicago to the Congregation of Bishops.
The appointment is likely to give the archbishop significant influence over future episcopal appointments in the United States and elsewhere.
Archbishop Cupich was named Archbishop of Chicago by Pope Francis in 2014. He was regarded as a surprise choice to succeed Cardinal Francis George, who had held the post since 1997.
Vatican commentator John Allen said that the archbishop's appointment to the Vatican congregation was a sign of papal favour.
.png&w=3840&q=75)
