CHICAGO (IL)
NBC Chicago
By Mary Ann Ahern
The Chicago area’s more than 2.3 million Catholics aren’t the only ones wondering who will succeed Cardinal Francis George. The Italian newspaper La Stampa on Thursday also speculated whether it might be a surprising choice.
The article by the Vatican Insider notes that Phoenix Bishop Thomas Olmsted is a possible contender but also suggests the Pope might choose a Chicago priest who “is a favorite of the nuncio.”
While no name was given, sources told NBC 5 that priest is Father Robert Barron.
Barron is the rector of the seminary at Mundelein and well-known as an author of the series Word on Fire. He’s also been the go-to commentator for Vatican events for NBC News.
“That’s crazy,” Barron said by telephone. “I know nothing about it.” …
Sources say they believe the three names are Indianapolis Archbishop Joseph Tobin, Spokane’s Blase Cupich and Salt Lake’s Charles Wester. Tobin’s name has often been mentioned, while the others not as often.
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