U.S. Bishops Recognize Cardinal George As End Of His Tenure Nears
(CBS) – You could consider it a first step in the Francis Cardinal George farewell tour.
CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine reports from the U.S. bishops conference in Baltimore, Md.
Cardinal George was greeted by Bishops Conference President Joseph Kurtz, who had once been considered the frontrunner to replace him in Chicago.
Archbishop-designate Blase Cupich, the Bishop of Spokane, Wash., entered alone, without fanfare and took a seat in the last row. But make no mistake about it, the transition was well underway.
George's unofficial farewell was noted during the president's address when he told about praying with Pope Francis last month. Kurtz says the pope twice inquired about the health of George, who is once again being treated for cancer.
The Cardinal received a standing ovation.
"It was a touching moment," George told Levine. "It's always nice to get the support of your peers."
Cupich was by no means ignored. CBS 2 spotted him having lunch with Cardinal Donald Wuerl, one of the most respected church leaders in America. His influence is thought to reach high up in the Vatican.
But the spotlight was really on the Cardinal in his last bishops conference as archbishop of Chicago.