advertisement

Cardinal George cancels trip, may use crutches

Cardinal Francis George, who is battling a recurrence of cancer, is being treated for an infection in his right foot that could require the use of crutches "for the near future" and has canceled an out-of-town trip after being advised not to fly, the archdiocese said Wednesday.

The latest health setback comes just days after the Vatican announced that Washington Bishop Blase Cupich would replace the retiring 77-year-old George in November.

George already had canceled a trip to Rome in October to meet with Pope Francis because of medical treatment after announcing he was participating in a clinical trial of an experimental drug at the University of Chicago Medicine.

George, who has been the spiritual leader of Chicago's more than 2 million Roman Catholics since 1997, survived bladder cancer eight years ago, but it recurred near his right kidney.

He said early this year that he believes the cancer eventually will take his life.

The Vatican on Saturday announced that Pope Francis had appointed Cupich, 65, a native of Nebraska, to head the high-profile Chicago archdiocese.

The archdiocese did not say if George still planned to travel to Europe in November to meet with archbishops in Barcelona, Spain, and then to the Vatican.

Source: Spokane bishop to replace Cardinal George

Chicago area Croatians laud Cupich appointment

Bishop Blase Cupich poised to minister Chicago Catholics

Cardinal George intends to keep contributing to church life

Cupich: Pope sending a bishop, not a message

Chicago archbishop-to-be won't politicize faith

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.