In a downsizing that coincides with this week’s arrival of Cardinal Francis George in Rome to participate in the conclave to choose a new pope, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago is set to lay off about 10 percent of its work force.

The archdiocese faced a $20 million deficit last year, largely attributed to subsidies provided to schools that depend on the church.

Throughout the month, pastors have received letters informing them there would be no more loans granted from the archdiocese bank and workers were instructed to be in the office this morning.

According to the Tribune, no parish priests will lose their assignments in the downsizing, but administrative staff at the pastoral center could be cut.

Five schools will also be closed or consolidated and students will be given scholarships to go to nearby Catholic schools. Annual aid to schools will also be reduced by $10 million next year.

“We hope to return to a sustainable level of aid for those schools that will always be facing financial difficulties,” Cardinal George stated in the letter.