George Update: No Stroke

Following up on this morning's news, here's the latest on the hospitalization of the cardinal-archbishop of Chicago:

Doctors have determined Cardinal Francis George did not have a stroke but will keep him in the hospital at least until this afternoon to run further tests, Chicago archdiocese officials said today.

George, 69, spiritual leader for Chicago's 2.4 million Roman Catholics, was taken to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood for tests Thursday after suffering recent bouts of dizziness.

The tests determined George had not suffered a stroke, but the cause of George's symptoms had not been pinpointed as of this morning, said James Dwyer, a spokesman for the archdiocese.

Dwyer said the cardinal had returned to Chicago on Wednesday night from two international trips, first to New Zealand and then to Rome, and that fatigue was likely a factor.

Doctors decided that they should run a battery of tests as long as George was in the hospital, Dwyer said. Hopes are that he will be released sometime this afternoon, he said.

"He's in good spirits now and he wants to get out of the hospital as soon as possible," Dwyer said. "He's been all over the place and really could use some rest."

George was supposed to lecture in Milwaukee on Tuesday night on Deus caritas est.... Smart money says he'll stay back in Chitown.

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