Charles J. Chaput facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|---|---|
| Archbishop Emeritus of Philadelphia | |
Chaput at Georgetown University
|
|
| Archdiocese | Philadelphia |
| Appointed | July 19, 2011 |
| Enthroned | September 8, 2011 |
| Predecessor | Justin Francis Rigali |
| Successor | Nelson J. Perez |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | August 29, 1970 |
| Consecration | July 26, 1988 by Pio Laghi, John Roach, and James Stafford |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 26, 1944 Concordia, Kansas |
| Denomination | Catholic |
| Previous post |
|
| Motto | As Christ loved the church |
| Coat of arms |  |
| Styles of Charles Joseph Chaput |
|
|---|---|
|
|
| Reference style |
|
| Spoken style | Your Excellency |
| Religious style | Archbishop |
Charles Joseph Chaput (born September 26, 1944) is an American Catholic leader. He is a member of the Capuchin Franciscan order. He served as the ninth archbishop of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from 2011 to 2020. Before that, he was the archbishop of Denver, Colorado (1997–2011), and bishop of Rapid City, South Dakota (1988–1997).
Chaput is a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. He was the second Native American bishop and the first Native American archbishop in the United States.
Contents
Early Life and Calling
Charles Chaput was born on September 26, 1944, in Concordia, Kansas. He was one of three children. His father was of French-Canadian background. His mother was a Native American from the Prairie Band Potawatomi tribe. Chaput was enrolled in the tribe when he was young and was given the name Pietasa, which means "rustling wind."
He went to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Grade School in Concordia. At age 13, he decided he wanted to become a priest. He then attended St. Francis Seminary High School in Victoria, Kansas.
In 1965, when he was 21, Chaput joined the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. This is a branch of the Franciscans. He earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy in 1967. In 1970, he received a Master of Arts degree in religious education from Capuchin College.
Becoming a Priest
Chaput was ordained as a priest for the Capuchin Order on August 29, 1970. Bishop Cyril Vogel performed the ordination. He continued his studies and earned a Master of Theology degree in 1971.
From 1971 to 1974, he taught theology at St. Fidelis College. He also served as a spiritual director there. Later, he worked as an executive secretary and communications director for the Capuchin province in Pittsburgh.
In 1977, Chaput was elected vicar provincial for the Capuchin Province of Mid-America. He became the chief executive and provincial minister in 1983. In 1987, he was part of a group of Native Americans who met Pope John Paul II during his visit to Phoenix, Arizona.
Leading as a Bishop
Bishop of Rapid City
On April 11, 1988, Pope John Paul II chose Chaput to be the bishop of the Diocese of Rapid City. He became a bishop on July 26, 1988. He was the second priest of Native American background to become a bishop in the United States. He was also the first Native American to lead a diocese. His chosen motto as a bishop was: "As Christ Loved the Church."
Archbishop of Denver
On February 18, 1997, Chaput was appointed archbishop of the Archdiocese of Denver. He took over from Archbishop James Stafford. In 2007, he gave a speech at the graduation ceremony for the Augustine Institute in Denver. He also became a leader for the Tekakwitha Conference in 2008.
In 2007, Chaput conducted an investigation into the Diocese of Toowoomba in Australia. This was done on behalf of the Congregation for Bishops at the Vatican. He was also one of five bishops who investigated the Legionaries of Christ from 2009 to 2010.
Archbishop of Philadelphia
On July 19, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Chaput as the archbishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He officially began his role on September 8, 2011. He took over from Cardinal Justin Rigali.
Chaput gave religious lessons at World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid, Spain. He had also done this at the 2008 World Youth Day in Sydney. On November 14, 2014, he was chosen to be a delegate for the 2015 Synod of Bishops on the Family. This decision needed approval from the Vatican.
Pope Francis accepted Chaput's resignation as archbishop of Philadelphia on January 23, 2020.
His Beliefs
Role in Politics
In his book, Render unto Caesar, Chaput encouraged Catholics to be more active in politics. He believed that people's private religious beliefs should guide their public actions. Chaput thought that American democracy works best when all citizens, including religious people, are fully involved.
Immigration Reform
Chaput believes that changing immigration laws is important. He supports giving legal status to most undocumented immigrants. He sees this as a moral duty.
See also
In Spanish: Charles Joseph Chaput para niños
- Catholic Church in the United States
- Historical list of the Catholic bishops of the United States
