Former Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey is taking his fight to save a building belonging to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockford to the very top. On Friday, he mailed a letter to the Pope asking him to stop the diocese from demolishing its vacant chancery.
Morrissey pointed to the city’s former Post Office, now repurposed as Rockford Park District headquarters, as an example of the possibilities if the diocese relents. But he says so far the diocese has refused to engage – and that goes against the Pope’s own message to bishops at a recent conference.
“Pope Francis gave specific guidance supporting preservation, partnership and dialogue with local civil authorities, as opposed to demolition and unilateral decision making,” Morrissey said.
The diocese says the Beaux Arts structure is in deep disrepair and wants to raze it. It's part of three buildings on the site that the diocese wants to re-purpose. Morrissey hopes intervention from the Vatican will bring the diocese to the table.
Morrissey is also urging the Rockford City Council to give the chancery landmark status as a first step. He says he’s spoken to several developers who would be interested in the property if that happens.
