Cardinal Francis George, a vigorous defender of Roman Catholic orthodoxy who played a key role in the church's response to the clergy sex abuse scandal, has died. He was 78.
The Chicago archdiocese says George died Friday after a long fight with cancer.
Appointed to lead the archdiocese in 1997, George became a leading figure of his era in the American church.
He oversaw the contentious new English-language translation of the Roman Missal, one of the biggest changes in Catholic worship in generations.
In 2002, at the height of the sex-abuse crisis, he led a group of U.S. bishops who persuaded Vatican officials to more quickly oust guilty priests.
George also spearheaded the fight among bishops against President Barack Obama's health insurance plan, arguing it allow taxpayer money for abortion.
Civic and political leaders are reacting to news that former Chicago Cardinal Francis George has died. Catholic Charities CEO Monsignor Michael Boland says George had a compassion for all, which could be seen in his eyes as he visited with the poor and "most vulnerable in our communities."
Boland said George, who he called a loyal friend, always supported the work of Catholic Charities. He added the cardinal served as an inspiration to him.
In a statement, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner said George left behind a strong community of faith that has a positive impact on the state.Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said the city's first native-born archbishop "lent his counsel to those in distress," and inspired everyone with his courage in his final days.
Rev. Michael Pfleger, a prominent Chicago priest who publicly clashed with Cardinal Francis George, says the two reconciled shortly before George died.Pfleger says the two last talked a few months ago when it was obvious George did not have long to live. He says the two talked, prayed and even laughed with each other as Pfleger talked of the "hell" they put each other through over the years. When it was announced that the cardinal had died of cancer, Pfleger says he was particularly struck with the strength and faith George showed as he faced death. George suspended Pfleger at least twice. Once in 2008 when Pfleger made mocking comments of then-Sen. Hillary Clinton during her presidential run.
Pope Francis says he had "great esteem" for Chicago Cardinal George and was very close to him during his suffering. George was strong in upholding Catholic orthodoxy and drawing a more definitive line about what could be considered truly Catholic.
Father Lombardi, an English-language spokesman for The Vatican, says the announcement of the George's death came in the late evening in Rome. Because of that, Lombardi says the pope won't issue a statement on George's death until Saturday.
Pope Francis appointed Archbishop BlaseCupich as George's successor. Cupich has a record of taking a less confrontational approach on divisive social issues and works to build ties with those who disagree with church teaching.
