Chicago, Ill., Jul 27, 2006 / 12:00 am (CNA).- Cardinal Francis George, Archbishop of Chicago, underwent surgery Thursday morning Loyola University Medical Center to remove a cancer that was recently discovered in his bladder.

The cardinal explained his health situation in a letter addressed to the faithful of his archdiocese and asked for their prayers.

“I am informed that I can expect to make a full recovery from this cancer and the surgery to remove it. I have asked my doctors and Archdiocesan officials to fully brief you after the surgery on the specifics of the operation and my recovery,” he wrote.

Fr. John Canary, the vicar general, will provide day-to-day governance of the archdiocese while the cardinal recovers.

Bishop William Skylstad, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), also issued a statement offering prayers that the cardinal has a full recovery from his surgery. Cardinal George is vice-president of the USCCB.

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