Catholic New World: Newspaper for the Archdiocese of Chicago

An extraordinary life

Call him a local boy made good or a favorite son, or even "Francis, your neighbor." The fact is, no one, not even Cardinal George himself, could have predicted a path that would take him away from Chicago, first to Belleville, Illinois and then around the world, before returning to his hometown. The following are pictures from the cardinal's extraordinary life.

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Pope Benedict XVI embraces Cardinal George during his visit to Washington, D.C., April 16, 2008.

Photo: CNS file photo /