Cardinal George "Cleaning The Slate" For Cupich Before Retirement
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Less than two weeks until Cardinal Francis George retires as archbishop of Chicago and makes way for Archbishop-designate Blase Cupich, George said the transition is well-underway.
The cardinal said he's trying to make things as smooth as possible for Cupich. That includes "cleaning the slate," as he puts it, by recently announcing school closings and making public the files of priests who've molested children.
As for the George's future plans, besides fighting cancer, he said he has a number of projects, including studies and writings that have been gathering dust. He also might do some lecturing.
"My public life will very much depend upon what Archbishop Cupich wants me to do; no more, no less," he said.
If he gets a bit healthier, George plans to live in a handicapped-accessible, 3.5-room apartment in the former convent next to the Holy Name Cathedral rectory.
George lives now in the Archdiocese mansion on State Parkway.
He said he likes that the apartment is outfitted for a handicapped person to live there, with bars on the walls and more. George said he has to "have more assurances that my health is a little more stable than it is now," before he can move there.
The cardinal said Cupich suggested he remain in the official residence, because there's support there he can count on. Four other people live in the mansion with the cardinal. George pointed out his bathroom is a converted closet that doesn't even have room for a bathtub. He said there was no indoor plumbing when the residence was first built.
As for his health, the cardinal has been taking an experimental drug to fight his cancer but he said, "the jury is still out" on whether it's doing what it's supposed to."
If it doesn't, he said there are other limited options to try.
George is the guest on this week's "At Issue," which airs Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on WBBM Newsradio.