Francis Cardinal George presides over his final Red Mass at Holy Name Cathedral

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Francis Cardinal George presided over his final Red Mass as head of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

The cardinal's ongoing health challenges were apparent at the special mass for judges, lawyers, lawmakers and others in the legal profession Tuesday evening. Instead of walking the nave of Holy Name Cathedral with the procession of priests, judges and lawyers as he's done in the past, he waited near the altar. He also moved around with the help of crutches.

George has been battling cancer and undergoing an experimental treatment. He's also been dealing with a foot infection.

During his homily, the cardinal preached about the landmark events and challenges in the world, and in people's lives, and the importance of prayer in facing those events and challenges.

At a reception following the service at nearby Loyola University's Water Tower Campus, the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Chicago honored Cardinal George, as well as Cook County Court Judge Thomas More Donnelly, with the group's Life Time Achievement Awards.

George will formally step down next month when Archbishop Blase Cupich from Spokane, Washington becomes the new head of the Archdiocese.

The Red Mass is a tradition more than seven centuries old. It coincides with the start of judicial calendar.