Cardinal Francis George, the former archbishop of Chicago, died Friday at the age of 78 after a long battle with cancer.
George's successor, Blase Cupich, confirmed the news Friday afternoon.
"A man of peace, tenacity and courage has been called home to the Lord," Cupich said. "Cardinal George’s life’s journey began and ended in Chicago. He was a man of great courage who overcame many obstacles to become a priest."
In a statement, Monsignor Michael M. Boland, president of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, said, "Today we mourn the loss of an incredible leader, guiding spirit and loyal friend. Cardinal George had compassion for all. You saw this compassion in his eyes as he visited with the poor and most vulnerable in our communities."
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner said in a statement: "Francis Cardinal George was the spiritual leader of millions of Catholics in and around Chicago and touched the lives of countless others through the Church's schools, pastoral care and social services. He shepherded the Church through some of its most trying times, but leaves behind a strong community of faith that has tremendous positive impact on the people of Illinois, regardless of their creed. Diana and I pray that he rest in eternal peace.”
George was admitted to Chicago's Loyola University Medical Center in March for evaluation after ending treatment for kidney cancer.
He said in January that doctors had "run out of tricks" and that he had shifted his focus to his quality of life, rather than finding a cure. He had stopped receiving an experimental drug treatment in December.
George stepped down as leader of the Chicago Archdiocese in November.
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George's successor, Blase Cupich, confirmed the news Friday afternoon.
"A man of peace, tenacity and courage has been called home to the Lord," Cupich said. "Cardinal George’s life’s journey began and ended in Chicago. He was a man of great courage who overcame many obstacles to become a priest."
In a statement, Monsignor Michael M. Boland, president of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, said, "Today we mourn the loss of an incredible leader, guiding spirit and loyal friend. Cardinal George had compassion for all. You saw this compassion in his eyes as he visited with the poor and most vulnerable in our communities."
He was a wonderful mentor to many, including me. He always supported the work of Catholic Charities and it was an incredible blessing to have his leadership help guide us for 17 years. He helped us tackle some of the most difficult issues facing our communities, always with faith and concern for the poorest of the poor. He exemplified our call to feed the hungry and clothe the naked, showing mercy and kindness to all and leading by example.
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner said in a statement: "Francis Cardinal George was the spiritual leader of millions of Catholics in and around Chicago and touched the lives of countless others through the Church's schools, pastoral care and social services. He shepherded the Church through some of its most trying times, but leaves behind a strong community of faith that has tremendous positive impact on the people of Illinois, regardless of their creed. Diana and I pray that he rest in eternal peace.”
George was admitted to Chicago's Loyola University Medical Center in March for evaluation after ending treatment for kidney cancer.
He said in January that doctors had "run out of tricks" and that he had shifted his focus to his quality of life, rather than finding a cure. He had stopped receiving an experimental drug treatment in December.
George stepped down as leader of the Chicago Archdiocese in November.
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