The bishop set to become the leader of the third largest diocese in the U.S. vowed Monday night to be involved in the Chicago community by fighting gang violence and poverty and pushing for immigration reform. Blase Cupich will officially become the archbishop of Chicago on Tuesday.

Cupich delivered his homily at Holy Name Cathedral, speaking to hundreds of civic and religious leaders. Gov. Pat Quinn and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel were in attendance.

"You will find me a ready partner," Cupich said according to The Associated Press.

Cupich, 65, will oversee an archdiocese that includes more than 2 million parishioners after his predecessor, Cardinal Francis George, retires; the 77-year-old archbishop is battling cancer.

The Rite of Reception service started Monday evening, marking the first time in history of this archdiocese that a new bishop has assumed leadership while his predecessor is still alive.

Cupich said he wants to take an active role in the fight against gangs and violence.

"Many youth have no dreams, no real aspirations, no sustaining hope," he said. "I believe that shoring up and strengthening family life and education are also essential ingredients."

Pope Francis was seen as sending a message with his first major appointment in the United States that he wants the new leader of the nation's third largest archdiocese as a pastor, someone who will emphasize mercy and minister to the disadvantage.

Cupich quoted Pope Francis while expressing the need to be compassionate.

"We need to open our minds and hearts, in empathy and sincere receptivity, to those with whom we speak," he said. "If our communication is not to be a monologue, there has to be openness of heart and mind to accepting individuals and cultures."

The new archbishop of Chicago previously served as bishop of the Diocese of Spokane, Washington.

Cupich did not offer any specifics on how he might tackle the issues of the sexual abuse scandal that has plagued the church.

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