Cardinal George preparing for papal conclave
Cardinal Francis George of Chicago plans to attend his second papal conclave next month.
Pope Benedict XVI said Monday he would resign Feb. 28, becoming the first pope in 600 years to step down. George talked to reporters Monday about the expected March conclave to replace the pontiff. George previously attended the conclave in 2005 that elected Benedict after Pope John Paul II died.
George says he feels more experienced now and would spend more time asking questions and getting impressions of his fellow cardinals. The Roman Catholic Church elects a new pope from among its cardinals. George says he would make better use of his time before voting begins.
The 75-year-old George is the spiritual leader of more than 2 million Roman Catholics in the Chicago area.