"If you hear something like that, what you do is pray a lot," said Josie Follet, 66. "A prayer is a powerful thing."(Photo taken 10-6-98.)George was installed as head of the archdiocese in May 1997, six months after his predecessor, Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, died of pancreatic cancer...
The archdiocese gave no indication of how George's illness would affect daily operations.
The Rev. Matt Compton, who resides at Holy Name Cathedral, said any kind of leadership change likely would be decided by George and the archdiocese's administrative staff.
"There's been a little bit of conversation before the Mass this evening and it was a little bit of a surprise, even for the some of the priests," Compton said.
"Speaking only for myself, it certainly was a surprise to hear that because it seems as though in recent years, since he was treated for cancer several years ago, that the health reports have been good," Compton said. "And saddening, too. We do not want to see him or anyone go through treatments for cancer."
During the petitions portion of the 5:15 p.m. Mass at Holy Name, a solemn crowd prayed for the cardinal's "health of mind and healing of his body."
Andrea Quinn, 67, said she was "shocked and saddened" to hear the news. She called the cardinal "a strong, strong man with a good outlook."
"He's gotten me through some tough times," the Glen Ellyn resident said. "He's an inspiration."
Barry Blake, 71, who is battling prostate cancer, said he believes the cardinal will find a way to fight through.
"It's just a part of life," said Blake, of Chicago. "I'm sure he understands that."