In one of the most exhilarating moments in his half century as a priest, Cardinal Blase Cupich watched in awe from an adjacent balcony in May as newly-elected Chicago native Pope Leo XIV gave his first address to the world on the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica,

While the experience was unprecedented, the head of the Chicago Archdiocese says he has felt that same spirit of joy and elation laced throughout his five-decade career, ever since he was ordained Aug. 16, 1975.

“I have to say that I brought the same excitement of that day to every day that I’ve been a priest,” he told the Tribune during a recent interview. “I’ve always looked for moments in which being a priest could be a benefit to other people.”

Cupich will celebrate the 50th anniversary of his ordination with a golden jub

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