Archbishop emeritus of Chicago dies at 78

chika ebuzor

April 18, 2015 11:33 AM

The cardinal’s death was announced by Archbishop Blase Cupich- his successor.

Cardinal Francis

Cardinal Francis George was appointed to Chicago in 1997 by Pope John Paul II and elevated to the College of Cardinals in 1998.

George became a leading figure of his era in many of the most important events in the American church.

The cardinal’s death was announced by Archbishop Blase Cupich- his successor.His family was saddened when doctors announced to him,in December 2014 that their treatment for the cancer found on his kidney had failed.

Cardinal Francis George was at the forefront of many changes in the catholic church. He oversaw the contentious new English-language translation of the Roman Missal.

Also, in 2002, in the heat of abuse crisis, in a bid to restore trust in the church leaders, he led a group of U.S. bishops to persuade Vatican officials to quickly send out guilty priests.

A major reform policy he will be remembered for. He died after a long battle with cancer at the age of 78.

According to abc7 Eye-witness news, the Archdiocese announced services for Cardinal George will be held next week at Holy Name Cathedral.

Public visitations will be held on:

- Tuesday, April 21 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.; 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

- Wednesday, April 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

- Wednesday, April 22 from 9 p.m. to Thursday, April 23 at 7:30 a.m.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 12 p.m. on Thursday, April 23 with attendance by ticket only. A 7:30 a.m. prayer service on Thursday will be open to the public.

Immediately following the Funeral Mass, the Committal Service will take place at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, the Archdiocese said.

chika ebuzor