This afternoon I was assigned to photograph Archbishop-designate Blase Cupich as he arrived at O’Hare International Airport days before taking over as archbishop of Chicago from Cardinal Francis George.
When I arrived at the airport I immediately saw a group of the local television videographers waiting at the bottom of the escalator near the baggage claim, so I took up position alongside them and waited. As we waited I noticed more and more media folks showing up. By the time Cupich arrived, flanked by three airport police officers, there were more than a dozen cameras there to greet him. Having served as a bishop most recently in Spokane, Wash., Cupich seemed a bit surprised by all the media attention at his arrival.
After a short press conference Cupich left the microphone and headed for the car, but was instantly surrounded by press, each trying to get in one more question. As he walked the huddle grew larger, at one point reminding me of the circus that surrounded Rod Blagojevich during his trial. The police charged with Cupich’s protection kept in formation around him like football players guarding a quarterback. Well, maybe not our football players.
Just before stepping outside Cupich joked he’d never do this again. Then headed for the wrong car, but was redirected by his people, and driven away.
A fitting welcome to the ridiculousness that is the Chicago press corps.
