Pope Francis with Archbishop Blase Cupich of Chicago, IL in St. Peter's Square during the Wednesday general audience on September 2, 2015.

Vatican Media/CNA.
Pope Francis with Archbishop Blase Cupich of Chicago, IL in St. Peter's Square during the Wednesday general audience on September 2, 2015.

In the statement that Cardinal Cupich said was “ill-considered,” Archbishop Gomez wrote that while there are numerous issues of concern to the bishops’ conference, abortion is the preeminent issue that cannot be ignored.