The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey D. Lee, Bishop of Chicago, writes to the diocese on the death of Cardinal Francis George:
Sisters and Brothers in Christ, please join me in praying for the repose of the soul of Cardinal Francis George, who died this afternoon after a long struggle against cancer. Let us pray also for comfort and consolation for our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters.
Cardinal George was a native son of our beloved city who led the Archdiocese of Chicago firmly and energetically for 17 years. A man of formidable intellect and deep faith, he was a vigorous ally in the campaign to pass sensible gun laws, and he and the archdiocese strove with us to reform our country’s broken immigration system. While his ministry was rooted here in Chicago, his purposeful leadership and personal generosity inspired Christians throughout the world. In this season of the Resurrection, let us pray that Francis will know the strength of Christ’s presence and rejoice in his eternal glory.
Image of Cardinal George on a pilgrimage to Lourdes in 2013 by Peter Scudner of the Older of Malta, via the Archdiocese of Chicago.