Cardinal Blase J. Cupich: Cardinal Bernardin’s Legacy for the Church and the World

Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, the Archbishop of Chicago, delivered a lecture in Fiera di Primiero regarding the lasting influence of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin on the Church and society.

During his address on October 16, 2026, Cupich highlighted Bernardin's ability to integrate the culture of Trentino with his global leadership. He noted that Bernardin's 1983 speech at Fordham University, which introduced the consistent ethic of life, and his role in developing the American bishops' pastoral letter on peace, serve as key examples of his impact.

Cupich explained that Bernardin was guided by the conviction that the Church must heed the Second Vatican Council's call to read the signs of the times. This approach required the Church to engage with the world and remain attentive to the lives of people and the forces shaping public opinion. According to Cupich, Bernardin believed that issues such as abortion, capital punishment, nuclear proliferation, and the use of military force should not be treated as separate topics.