Cardinal Francis George dies at 78

(Vatican Radio) Cardinal Francis George, archbishop emeritus of Chicago, died Friday at his residence, after a long battle with cancer. The cardinal was 78 years old.

In a statement, the Archbishop of Chicago, Blaise Cupich, described Cardinal George as a man of “peace, tenacity, and courage” who in his ministry always chose the “Church over his own comfort and his people over his own needs.”

Visitation will take place in Chicago’s Holy Name Cathedral, Tuesday and Wednesday. The funeral will be celebrated on Thursday.

With Cardinal George's death, the College of Cardinals has 223 members, 121 of whom are under the age of 80 and eligible to vote in a conclave.

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(from Vatican Radio)

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