By Associated Press Bishop Blase Cupich, who has struck a moderate tone on divisive social issues, was appointed the archbishop of Chicago on Saturday, succeeding a cardinal with an aggressive approach to the culture wars. Cupich, of Spokane, Washington, will take over leadership of the Archdiocese of Chicago in November, succeeding Cardinal Francis George, who has been battling cancer and has said he believes the disease will end his life. Cupich is Pope Francis' first major appointment in the U.S. and the clearest indication yet of the direction he wants to steer American church leaders. Bishop Blase Cupich, 61, will be named the next archbishop of Chicago
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Bishop Blase Cupich, known for being  a moderate on many hot button social issues, named to the position
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Chicago archdiocese is third largest in the nation
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Replaces archbishop known for hardline conservatism on abortion and gay marriage
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Has written to parishioners about the suffering of gays and lesbians because of anti-gay prejudice, and condemned violence and bullying that has led some gay teens to suicide
Cupich also served as chairman of the @placeholder bishops' child protection committee at the height of the clergy sex abuse crisis and as church leaders were putting in place a toughened policy on disciplining guilty priests.