Would love to know what did make DiNardo take this unexpected step.  The scuttlebut I read says the USCCB staff is very conservative.  Maybe his Archdiocese staff is more in tune with real life events on hot issues, especially regarding how Hispanic people are viewed and treated and the treatment of those who came here fleeing poverty and violence.  

As for cardinals influencing him - so far I don't know if I see the appointment of Cupich and J Tobin as cardinals has had much influence on the USCCB.  But, I would like to see the public face of the USCCB move away from the culture warrior , sword waving sort of thing that feeds the divisiveness in society.