I have walked by this church and it was a remarkable structure. When you're walking down Michigan Avenue you couldn't help but see it. It was truly a beautiful edifice. I can't tell from the photos if there has been major or minor damage. I'm very glad to see that there were no injuries or fatalities.

From the CT:

An extra-alarm blaze that broke out this morning at Holy Name Cathedral downtown caused extensive fire damage to the roof and attic, but spared the cathedral's sanctuary.

Cardinal Francis George said the cathedral's roof would have to be rebuilt and there was considerable water damage inside. "Chicago has always bounced back from fires and I think we'll bounce back from this," the cardinal said as he left the church.

"The boys saved the church, that's for sure," Deputy Fire District Chief Tony Romano, who was at the scene, said of his firefighters. "We don't save too many of them." (more... )