Cardinal Francis George Loses Battle with Cancer at Age 78

Francis Eugene Cardinal George, Archbishop Emeritus of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago, died at his residence at 10:45 a.m. Friday. He was 78.

“A man of peace, tenacity, and courage has been called home,” said Archbishop Blase Cupich at Holy Name Cathedral in the Gold Coast Friday afternoon. “Let us heed his example and be a little more brave, a little more steadfast and a lot more loving. This is the surest way to honor his life and celebrate his return to the presence of God.”

The sixth cardinal to lead Chicago’s 2.3 million Catholics, George was the first Chicago native to serve as the local archbishop.

Cupich replaced George in November, after he was diagnosed with kidney cancer. George had been cared for at home since April 3, after hospitalization in March for hydration and pain management issues.

“He was a wonderful mentor to many, including me,” wrote Monsignor Michael Boland, president of Catholic Charities for the archdiocese in a statement. “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.

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