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Bishop Robert C. Morlino, Bishop of Madison, offered the following statement April 17 on the death of Francis Cardinal George, Archbishop Emeritus of Chicago:
A brilliant beacon of truth has been extinguished from these earthly shores today.
I do not think that we’ll be able to understand fully the impact of Francis Cardinal George this side of eternity — and that is how he preferred it.
I mourn for the loss of Cardinal George from this life, and yet, I cannot help but have hope in the Resurrection promised by the Lord for those who love Him.
The fire and passion of Cardinal George sometimes belied the deep and very real humility which characterized his life of service, and for this there is an easy explanation.
The seemingly limitless supply of confidence that animated him in his public life did not come from Francis George, but from His Lord and Master, Jesus Christ.
Cardinal George’s sure foundation and his unwavering faith rested in the promise of Christ to His Church. And, time and again, I witnessed that his ultimate and only goal was that Christ might be glorified in His Church.
Cardinal George was a tremendous leader of the Church in this country and a model of priestly service lived out in the life of a bishop.
As a friend, a brother, and one of the greatest Church leaders I have known, I will most certainly miss him.
Eternal rest grant unto Him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him.