Cardinal George Cancels Rome Trip Due to Chemo

The Archdiocese of Chicago announced Tuesday that Cardinal Francis George has resumed his chemotherapy and will not make a scheduled trip to Rome.

George had hoped to attend the canonization of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII on April 27, but will not make the trip upon the advice of his doctors.

George's chemotherapy was delayed after he was hospitalized due to a flu infection he contracted late last month.

The Cardinal is suffering from cancer near his right kidney. He survived bladder cancer eight years ago and was diagnosed with urothelial cancer in 2012.

Archdiocese officials say George intends to still participate in Holy Week services and Easter Sunday Mass at Holy Name Cathedral.

George appeared at Saint Xavier University Tuesday night for a speech. He didn't speak with reporters, but addressed his illness with the crowd, showing a sense of humor.

"Advantages of being seriously ill is that you hear your obituary before you die," George said.

George did tell the crowd that doctors spelled out the dangers and that he couldn't risk another infection.

The Cardinal especially wanted to be in Rome for the canonization of Pope John Paul II, because the late pontiff appointed him the Archbishop of Chicago.

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