VATICAN CITY — In a telegram to Archbishop Blase Cupich of Chicago, Pope Francis blessing to all those who mourn Cardinal Francis E. George.
“To all who mourn the late Cardinal in the sure hope of the Resurrection, I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of consolation and peace in the Lord,” Francis said in the April 18 telegram, according to Vatican Radio.
Pope Francis also offered prayers for Cardinal George during his daily Mass at Casa Santa Martha Saturday morning.
The late archbishop emeritus was praised for his service to the Church as an Oblate of Mary and for his episcopal service in Yakima, Portland and finally, Chicago.
The 78-year-old cardinal passed away April 17 after battling cancer for several years.
The funeral Mass for Cardinal George will take place April 23 at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago after lying in state for two days. He will be buried in a family plot at the All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, Ill.
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