Archbishop Blase Cupich meets Pope Francis

Archbishop Bishop Blase Cupich has met with Pope Francis for the first time, the Archdiocese of Chicago announced Saturday afternoon.

The two met Friday afternoon in Domus Sanctae Marthae, the pope’s home.

Cupich “expressed his gratitude to the Holy Father for receiving him and for appointing him to serve the people of Chicago,” according to the archdiocese.

“I also took the opportunity to tell him about the many wonderful things happening in our local church and assured him of our support for his ministry of unity,” Cupich said. “The pope specifically asked the people in the archdiocese to pray for him daily, and I assured him that I would relay this message.”

The pope blessed Cupich and he “extended [the blessing] to all the people, religious and clergy of the archdiocese.”

Cupich is in Rome to receive the Pallium, a vestment that is considered a symbol of his office.

Pope Francis appointed him archbishop of Chicago last year.