Cardinals' mansions for sale!

Social justice news
July 2002

Big donors call for financial accountability from bishops
British bishop sells mansion; Chicago's George says he might do the same
Bush speech lightly fans hope for peace in Middle East
Death penalty under attack in courts and government
Did Dallas USCCB meeting make any difference?
Pax Christi USA questions U.S. policy in Afghanistan
Supreme Court ruling on vouchers hailed by USCCB

British bishop sells mansion; Chicago's George
says he might do the same
Historic, three-story, red brick mansion, wood interior throughout. Ritzy Gold Coast location near lake, park, downtown. Finest quality. Hurry—this'll go fast!

Cardinal's residence in Chicago, Illinois.

It's not on the market yet, but Cardinal Francis George announced his desire to sell the residence that for 120 years has been home to Chicago's archbishops and cardinals. If the idea is approved, George would move to "simpler quarters in greater proximity to the poor," he said in his May 26 column in the Catholic New World.

The property could be worth more than $20 million, according to news reports.

George isn't the first church leader this year to talk house sales. Bishop Patrick O'Donoghue of Lancaster, England announced at Pentecost that his advisors have approved putting the 16-room bishop's house up for sale. "The grandeur is not appropriate for a shepherd and my needs can be met by a few rooms at the cathedral," O'Donoghue said. The property is estimated at "well over 500,000 pounds," or $731,000.

Both leaders aim to use the money for more pressing needs. O'Donoghue mentioned interfaith work and drug abuse projects, while George said he would like to build up the Catholic school fund. He also said that it "isn't a bad idea" to use such money to help victims of sexual abuse by priests.—Heather Grennan

For more information:
British Bishop Patrick O'Donoghue to sell mansion
Charter for the protection of children and young people
Boston Globe coverage of ongoing scandal

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