Cardinal George receives Chicago's highest honor

Cardinal Francis George has received Chicago's highest honor, the Medal of Merit.

The Chicago City Council and Mayor Rahm Emanuel awarded the medal Wednesday to George, who retired as archbishop of Chicago last month and is battling cancer. George is now Chicago's archbishop emeritus.

Emanuel and aldermen praised George for his work helping the poor. Emanuel said George is "not just a man of the cloth, but also of conviction." He said "that has earned you the admiration of all of us, regardless of faith."

The Chicago Sun-Times reported George is the first recipient of the city's Medal of Merit in 15 years.

George said he was "deeply touched" by the honor.