George led flock through tough times

By Manya Brachear
Chicago Tribune
September 20, 2014

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-cardinal-george-tenure-20140920-story.html#page=1

George led flock through tough times

Reports that Cardinal Francis George's successor will be announced this weekend could set the stage for the retirement for Chicago's longtime archbishop and would mean an unprecedented transition in the city's Roman Catholic Church, where no leader has lived long enough to meet the man taking his place.

George's planned news conference for Saturday, during which reports from The Associated Press and National Catholic Reporter say that he will confirm he is being replaced by Bishop Blase Cupich of Spokane, Wash., would cap George's more than 17 years at the helm of the nation's third-largest archdiocese. During that time, he has shepherded the church through a recession, political battles over gay marriage and immigration, as well as a clergy sex abuse scandal.

He also has emerged as the point man between the U.S. and Vatican on matters including the liturgy of the Mass, a zero-tolerance policy for clergy sexual abuse and the selection of two popes. In fact, throughout his tenure, he has fended off occasional rumors that he would be called away from Chicago to serve in Rome.

"I hope to die in Chicago," he said in a 2001 Tribune interview. "Much to the chagrin of a few folks."