Cardinal’s exemplary courage, grace
On this Easter Sunday, Cardinal Francis George cannot do all the things he once did. At age 77 and beset with cancer, George has scaled back his activities while he undergoes his third round of chemotherapy and has urged church officials to begin the process of finding his replacement. How do we know? Because George had the courage to tell us.
With candor and grace, George over the last month shared the details of his illness and his prognosis.
With candor and grace, he has shown Chicagoans how to age honestly.
And with candor and grace, George has demonstrated how one fights for life without denying one’s inevitable demise.
George told the public that while he remains hopeful, he expects his illness will eventually cause his death.
George and his staff told the public of his sadness over having to miss the April 27 canonization of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII because of his illness.
And George explained why he thinks it’s best for the church to find his replacement now, while he’s still strong.
“It’s just not fair to the archdiocese to have someone who may not be able to do the job as well as I believe it should be done,” George said this month, adding that he hoped to help his replacement: “I know some of the pitfalls. I know a lot of the people, and if he wants to ask questions, I will be available for service.”
On this Easter Sunday, George is showing all Chicagoans, Roman Catholic or otherwise, how to live honestly.