Update on Archbishop Niederauer's Condition

From the September 9 edition of Catholic San Francisco:

Archbishop Niederauer released from hospital; recovery progressing
By George Raine

San Francisco Archbishop George Niederauer, who underwent cardiac double bypass surgery Aug. 29 at a hospital in Long Beach, was released over the weekend.

He is recuperating in Southern California, and the recuperation is on schedule and in line with the expectations of his physicians, according to the archdiocese.

“The archbishop has expressed his deep appreciation for the prayers of the priests, deacons, religious and laity of the archdiocese,” the archdiocese said in a statement.

After experiencing some chest discomfort during the Aug. 27-28 weekend, Archbishop Niederauer, 75, was taken to the emergency room of a Long Beach hospital on Aug. 28 by Cardinal William Levada, the archdiocese said. They had been in the final days of their vacation in Southern California. The archbishop was given an angiogram and his doctors recommended he stay overnight at the hospital for observation.

On Aug. 29, at the recommendation of his cardiologists, the archbishop underwent successful cardiac double bypass surgery.

On Sept. 1 employees of the archdiocesan Pastoral Center attended a special Mass, organized and celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop William J. Justice, to pray for Archbishop Niederauer’s quick recovery.

Archbishop Niederauer was ordained to the priesthood April 30, 1962, for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. He was appointed eighth bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City Nov. 3, 1994, by Pope John Paul II and ordained to the episcopate Jan. 25, 1995. Archbishop Niederauer was named eighth archbishop of the Archdiocese of San Francisco by Pope Benedict XVI Dec. 15, 2005.

Archbishop George Niederauer celebrated his 75th birthday June 14. The same day, he sent a letter to Pope Benedict XVI in accordance with Canon Law 401, Sec. 1, which states, “A diocesan bishop who has completed the 75th year of age is requested to present his resignation from office to the Supreme Pontiff, who will make provision after he has examined all the circumstances.”

We are heartened to hear of His Excellencies good progess and will continue to pray for him!