Francis George was born on January 16, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois. At the age of thirteen, he was diagnosed with polio, which left a lasting impact on his life. Despite this early struggle, George was determined to overcome his illness and pursue a career in the Catholic Church.
After graduating from St. Pascal School, George went on to study at Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary in Chicago. He continued his education at the University of Ottawa in Canada, where he earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy. George then completed his theological studies at the University of Ottawa and was ordained as a priest in 1963.
After being ordained, George served as a pastor in various parishes in the Chicago area. He also took on roles as an educator, teaching theology at several institutions, including St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois.
In 1996, George was appointed as the Archbishop of Portland, Oregon. During his time in Portland, he focused on strengthening the Catholic community and promoting social justice initiatives.
In 1997, George was appointed as the Archbishop of Chicago, becoming the eighth leader of the Catholic Church in the city. He succeeded Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, who had been a prominent figure in the American Catholic Church.
As Archbishop of Chicago, George continued to prioritize social justice issues, advocating for the rights of immigrants and marginalized communities. He also worked to address the clergy abuse scandal that had rocked the Catholic Church in the United States.
In 1998, George was elevated to the position of Cardinal by Pope John Paul II. He became a key figure in the American Catholic Church, known for his conservative views on social issues and commitment to traditional Catholic teachings.
From 2007 to 2010, George served as the President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. During his tenure, he focused on promoting religious freedom and defending the rights of the unborn.
Francis George passed away on April 17, 2015, after a long battle with cancer. He was remembered for his dedication to the Catholic Church and his efforts to promote social justice and human rights.
Throughout his career, George left a lasting impact on the Catholic community, inspiring others to uphold the values of compassion, justice, and faith. His legacy continues to live on through the work of those influenced by his teachings and leadership.