Cardinal George Urges Vatican To Start His Succession Process

By Chuck Sudo in News on Apr 11, 2014 8:30PM

Faced with his own mortality and another round of chemotherapy treatments, Cardinal Francis George is encouraging the Vatican to begin the process of naming his successor.

George, who opted to not travel to Rome for the canonizations of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II in order to undergo the chemo treatments, said at a media briefing even though he’s confident the latest round will shrink the tumors in his body, “the fact that my health is uncertain.”

“It’s just not fair to the archdiocese to have someone who may not be able to do the job as well as I believe it should be done,” he added.

Two years ago, George submitted a formal resignation letter on his 75th birthday, per Vatican requirements. An examination in August 2012 found cancerous cells on his kidneys and liver. He previously underwent radical surgery in 2006 to have a cancerous bladder and prostate removed. He responded well to chemo after the 2012 diagnosis before doctors discovered more signs of cancerous activity around his kidney last month.

George succeeded Cardinal Joseph Bernardin in May 1997 after Bernardin's November 1996 death from pancreatic cancer. The transition between Bernardin to George weighs on the latter's mind and he hopes to help his successor through any bumps in the process.

I know some of the pitfalls. I know a lot of the people, and if he wants to ask questions I will be available for service.”