Greeley was outspoken as priest, sociologist and novelist

Andrew Greeley’s sharp-tongued critiques of the Catholic Church, drawn from his priestly experience and sociological research, often irked the hierarchy. And as if those platforms were not enough, the Chicago native later became a prolific novelist with best sellers that explored the good and bad sides of church life.

Greeley’s public voice was silenced by a fractured skull sustained when his coat was caught in the door of a departing taxi and he was thrown to the pavement in November 2008. On May 29, not long after he celebrated the 59th anniversary of his priestly ordination, Greeley died in his sleep at his Chicago apartment at age 85.

“He served the Church all those years with a prophetic voice and with unfailing dedication,” said a family statement. “He resides now with the Lord of the Dance, and that dance will go on.”