Cardinal George will not attend canonizations, suggests beginning search for successor

April 09, 2014

Chicago’s Cardinal Francis George has announced that he will not travel to Rome for the canonizations of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II later this month.

The cardinal, who is undergoing chemotherapy, will stay home on his doctors’ orders. Last week he had revealed that he was “negotiating” with doctors about the possibility of attending the canonizations. But the risk of infection, because of his weakened immune system, prompted the prelate to realize that it “would be very foolish” to make the trip to Rome. Cardinal George will preside at Holy Week services in Chicago, but will avoid public contact.

The cardinal, who is engaged in his third battle with cancer, disclosed that he had suggested to the apostolic delegate that the search for his successor should begin. “Given the state of my health, it’s a good idea to start the process,” he said.

 

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Further information:

• Cardinal resumes chemotherapy, cancels trip for canonizations (Chicago Tribune)
• Cardinal George: cancer treatment may prevent trip to Rome for Popes' canonizations (CWN, 4/4)