Catholics Reflect On Cardinal George's Potential Retirement
CHICAGO (CBS) – Father Michael Pfleger says he's been asked to move by Francis Cardinal George. But now it's Cardinal George's future that may be in question.
The Chicago Tribune says he's about to reach that age when cardinals tender their resignations.
Cardinal George did not speak to the media following the Chicago Catholic Men's conference in Oak Brook Saturday, CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot reports. But some of the men in attendance shared their thoughts about the cardinal and what the Chicago Archdiocese would be like, without him at the helm.
"No one controls God. You come to God on his terms -- not on your own," George said as part of his message in the western suburbs. "Nobody gets everything that he or she might want in the Catholic church, including the Archbishop. Welcome to the Catholic Church."
In January, the cardinal will turn 75. It's at that age when cardinals must submit their resignations to the Pope in Rome.
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Published reports say while the Cardinal expects to stay in his role for years to come, the milestone has made him think of what could be next. The same could be said for his faithful.
"There's always some options that can play out, and we may not accept that resignation," conference attendee Patrick Delaney said. "But beyond that, he'll always be close to our hearts as all the cardinals have been."
"We've had different cardinals, and we take something different from each one of them. Cardinal George has been very good," Oscar Griffin said.
Marcial Gomez of Chicago also says he can't even envision the Cardinal slowing down. Gomez says he constantly sees the cardinal at events involving the Polish and Latino communities and feels his outreach to all ethnic communities has been tremendous.
