News

Chicago cardinal says he wants to continue job

Posted December 25, 2011 10:00 pm

Associated Press

Cardinal Francis George says he doesn't want to retire.

The Chicago cardinal is required to submit a retirement letter next month when he turns 75, but he hopes that Pope Benedict XVI won't accept it.

George tells Chicago station WLS-TV that he hopes the pope waits a few years. George says he's first archbishop of Chicago who's lived long enough to do so and he's happy about that. The cancer survivor says he feels good about his health.

George's birthday is Jan. 16.

Recently, he's faced criticism for comments he made comparing the gay rights movement to the Ku Klux Klan. The comments followed a Catholic church's request to change the route of the city's annual gay pride parade following concerns that crowds would block access to Sunday Masses.

Article Comments

Article Categories
Chicago Cook County Counties News Region

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.