Cupich Won't Be Living in Cardinal's Mansion: Sources

Chicago’s new Archbishop Blaisé Cupich has said “stay tuned” about where he will live when he moves to Chicago, but several sources tell NBC 5 Cupich has made a decision to not live in what’s known as the Cardinal’s Mansion in the Gold Coast.

Instead, Cupich will move to the rectory at Holy Name Cathedral, sources said. 

While The Archdiocese of Chicago will not officially confirm that Cupich has made a decision, insisting he’s still looking at all possibilitie, the decision wouldn't be out of character for Cupich.

In Spokane, Cupich lives at the seminary on the campus of Gonzaga University. His decision to live in the rectory is similar in style to Pope Francis choosing to make his residence at the Casa Santa Marta, rather than the Apostolic Palace. Of course, the Pope holds meetings and greets heads of state at the Palace. Perhaps that will be what the future holds for the Cardinal’s Residence.

An apartment has already been prepared for Cardinal Francis George at a separate residence, next door to Holy Name, at Casa Jesus. He says he plans to move there, depending on “his health status.”

George had considered selling the mansion at one point to raise scholarship money for Catholic education.

“It’s a good question, I’m sure it will be raised,” he said.

The mansion, worth more than $14 million, according to research by CNN's Daniel Burke, is more than 125 years old, has 19 chimneys and four priests live there with the Cardinal. Receptions and private meetings are often held there.

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