Cardinal Francis George fighting infection, makes public appearance

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Cardinal Francis George makes a rare public appearance Wednesday night after spending Tuesday in a hospital fighting a persistent infection, one of several side effects of his ongoing cancer treatment.

The cardinal skipped scheduled public appearances over the past few days to deal with his illness.

The cardinal is in Linconshire for a dinner with the Catholic Extension Society. His successor, Archbishop-Designate Blase Cupich, is also in attendance.

Cardinal George left his home Wednesday evening on crutches, in obvious pain and needing help to get to his vehicle.

A spokesperson said the cardinal will be on crutches for the near future as he recovers from a cellulitis infection in his right foot.

The cardinal spent most of Tuesday with his doctors at Loyola University Medical Center and because of the infection he has been advised not to fly. He has cancelled out of town trip that was scheduled for later in the week.