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Chicago Catholics React To New Archbishop

CHICAGO (CBS) -- It's a new beginning for millions of Catholics in Chicago as they celebrate a new leader in the Catholic Church. CBS 2's Jeremy Ross talked to parishioners at Saint Barbara Catholic Church in Bridgeport.

Ross reports reaction from church goers is generally positive. While some take a wait and see attitude when it comes to the announcement, other churchgoers like what they've heard so far.

"I think he sounds more like John Paul, down to earth and trying to help people and do things for the middle class and the poor people and I think that is a great thing that we need in Chicago," sat St. Barbara parishioner Elizabeth Pullapilly.
The introduction was made Saturday for 65-year-old Bishiop Blase Cupich. He spoke with media about the Pope selecting him to lead Chicago area Catholics.

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By his side was Francis Cardinal George who has served the windy city for more than 17 years. The cardinal experienced a re-occurrence of cancer and helped in the process to select his successor.

Cupich said his priorities include calming inner city violence and supporting comprehensive immigration reform.

Unlike the cardinal, Cupich isn't a Chicago native. That's not a concern to some

It didn't bother me that he wasn't a local bishop that was from immediately here," said parishioner William Webb.

The new archbishop will be installed Nov. 18.

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