CHICAGO (IL)
NBC Chicago
By Mary Ann Ahern
Saturday, Nov 15, 2014
In the final days before Cardinal Francis George retires and Archbishop Blase Cupich takes over, a dying man’s request is granted. Both Cardinal George and Archbishop Cupich had been asked to intervene on behalf of Rick Springer. NBC 5 has learned the Archdiocese sent its Victim’s Advocate to Springer’s hospital room Friday. Springer, a survivor of priest sex abuse, had requested for years a copy of the file on his abuser, a Chicago priest. The priest died many years ago and never responded to the allegations.
Late this week, knowing Springer was told he was dying, survivors asked NBC 5 to also forward Springer’s request. While he had seen the file years ago, he wanted a copy of it. Late Friday, the Archdiocese’s Victim’s Advocate came to Hines Veterans Hospital to see Springer in person, reading to him portions of the file and allowing him to hold it.
Rick Springer passed away Saturday afternoon — 24 hours later — surrounded by his many friends.
Among the visitors in his final days was Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke, who had served on the first ever National Lay Review Board for priest sex abuse.
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