Cardinal Francis George, 75, who is leading the archdiocese of Chicago encompassing Cook and Lake Counties for past 15 years, has recently affirmed that he has sent a resignation letter to Pope Benedict XVI, though acceptance of the same is doubted.

The resignation has come under the standard procedure applicable for bishops once they reach an age of 75 years, the report finds. A reason for not allowing him to continue with his position for the bout may be his disease that he has been tackling since a long period.

As per the findings, it was for the first time after being diagnosed with kidney and liver cancer that George has appeared at the archdiocese's annual Hispanic Ministry Awards Banquet, Noche de Gala. The same was held at Oakbrook Terrace's Drury Lane conference center, before which he also spoke about what he has been going through.

He said that after the operation for the removal of his bladder and a right ureter portion along with his prostate, he has visited doctors at an interval of three months. Also, the schedule has changed in recent past to get checked once every six months.

"I'm very lucky to be the first one to live with this position long enough to retire and I'm hoping to be able to do that", affirmed he.