Pope Francis has selected a replacement for Chicago's retiring Catholic leader. The incoming archbishop, Bishop Blase Cupich, could symbolize a shift in the Catholic Church's attitude towards social issues because of the bishop's more moderate attitudes.

In his first high-profile leadership appointment in the United States, Pope Francis chose Cupich, 65, to replace the aging Cardinal Francis George, 77, who is stepping down, according to Reuters.

In a press conference held by the Chicago Archdiocese on Saturday, Bishop Cupich thanked the pope for choosing him, according to NBC Chicago.

"The Holy Father's appointment of me humbles but also encourages me," Cupich said. "As Pope Francis began his pastoral minstry in Rome by asking the people to pray for him, so too now I bow my head in the hope that everyone in Chicago will pray for me in the days ahead."

Cardinal George is retiring due to kidney cancer but he had stated he wanted to meet his successor.

"I leave this church in better hands than mine," he said during the press conference. "This is a full time job. I am relieved and grateful that now somebody who can do it full time will be in charge."

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel released a statement thanking Cardinal George for his work in the archdiocese.

"Today all of Chicago honors Cardinal Francis George for his compassionate pastoral leadership and his steadfast commitment and service to Chicago's people and neighborhoods throughout the last 17 years," he said.

However, Cupich could be a different type of bishop. According to the Associated Press, Cupich espouses more moderate views on social topics like same sex marriage and contraception. When Washington state was considering legalizing same sex marriage, he reminded voters of the Catholic Church's stance on marriage; however, he also repudiated violence, bullying or hatred towards LGBT people.

As his first appointment in the U.S., Pope Francis may be pointing to the direction he wants to take the Catholic Church in the country.