The Assumption Into... 1555 N. State Parkway

The archbishop of Chicago is heading home today:

The decision was made Monday afternoon, archdiocesan spokeswoman Colleen Dolan said. By 11 a.m. Tuesday, George should be on his way from Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, where he has been treated for bladder cancer, to his official residence in Chicago, she said.

"There was no schedule," Dolan said. "It was whenever he was ready to go. ... The doctors decided that he was now ready."

Dolan said the cardinal will recuperate at home for a few weeks while doctors monitor his progress.

He will not immediately return to all of his duties, she added.

"He has been working from the hospital, being consulted and being involved in the decision-making of the diocese, and he will continue to do that," Dolan said.

The latest official word says that the US hierarchy's de facto leader had "shown improvement" in recent days:

The Cardinal is walking, and has practiced going up and down stairs. [N.B. A victim of childhood polio, George walks with a limp.] There is no fever and vital signs are stable. The Cardinal continues to have fewer dietary restrictions and is continuing his physical therapy sessions.

Although all are gratified by the Cardinal's continuing recovery, prayers are requested for the full restoration of his strength and a trouble-free period of recovery.

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