Description
Archbishop John Cody (1965-1982) was appointed Archbishop of Chicago in June of 1965 and spent most of his time in Chicago under public scrutiny. Federal investigations took place under the allegations that Archbishop Cody mishandled church funds and was the subject of controversy after it was rumored he was having an affair with a mistress. Aside from his scandals, Cody was looked up to as a friend to many and a religious shepherd who helped guide Chicagoland Catholics in times of trouble. His accomplishments as an administrator gained him respect amongst many Catholics and Catholic officials. He attended the Chicago 1963 National Conference on Religion and Race, reaching out with friendship and understanding to people in other religious communities. In addition, Cody was a big fund-raiser and was one of the biggest donors to the Vatican.
In his time as archbishop, Cody continued with issuing reforms to the church including more support for the new liturgy, improved clerical salaries, genuine archdiocesan insurance, and upgraded school salaries and standards.
Source
Avella, Steven M. This Confident Church: Catholic Leadership and Life in Chicago, 1940-65. Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1992.
