April 18--It was evening in Rome by the time the news of Cardinal Francis George's death reached Pope Francis on Friday. On Saturday, the pope sent a telegram to express his condolences.
"Saddened to learn of the death of Cardinal Francis E. George, Archbishop Emeritus of Chicago, I offer heartfelt condolences to you and to the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese," the pope said.
Cardinal Francis Eugene George, who led Chicago's church for 17 years and last year became the city's first archbishop to retire, died Friday after years of treatment for cancer.
He took his last breaths in the company of friends and family, in the residence he'd long occupied as leader of the archdiocese.
Calling him a "wise and gentle pastor," the telegram commended George for his service as a missionary with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and his more than 24 years as a bishop in Yakima, Wash., Portland Ore., and Chicago.
"To all who mourn the late Cardinal in the sure hope of the Resurrection," the pope concluded, "I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of consolation and peace in the Lord."
There will be a public visitation Tuesday at Holy Name Cathedral. George's funeral will be at noon Thursday, with burial in the family plot at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines.
