Cardinal George of Chicago to undergo surgery for bladder cancer

Published: 2006-07-26

CHICAGO (CNS) -- Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago was scheduled to undergo surgery for bladder cancer July 27 at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood. The cardinal made the announcement July 26 in a statement to all Catholics in the archdiocese. "I am informed that I can expect to make a full recovery from this cancer and the surgery to remove it," the cardinal said in his statement. "I ask my fellow priests, the religious, all Catholics in the archdiocese and other friends and colleagues to pray for me. I trust that the Lord will give me the strength and grace I need during these next days and weeks." The cardinal also wrote that he asked his medical team and archdiocesan officials to fully brief the media following the surgery. The archdiocesan chancellor, Jimmy Lago, said the cardinal was expected to remain in the hospital for eight to 10 days following the surgery and to recuperate at home for several weeks after that. Cardinal George, 69, also is vice president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and sits on several pontifical councils and commissions.

Copyright (c) 2006 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .