Father Andrew Greeley, outspoken sociologist and novelist, dead at 85

May 30, 2013

Father Andrew Greeley, a prolific and controversial priest and author of nearly 100 books, died in Chicago on May 30 at the age of 85 after a long illness.

A sociologist who taught at the University of Arizona and University of Chicago, Father Greeley worked with the National Opinion Research Center, and produced dozens of studies on American Catholicism, most notably his 1977 work: The American Catholic: A Social Portrait. He also wrote many novels, which drew more attention to their sex scenes than their plot lines.

An opinionated liberal columnist and commentator who described himself as a “loudmouth,” Father Greeley was frequently at odds with the archbishops under whom he served in the Chicago archdiocese.

 

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Further information:

• The Rev. Andrew M. Greeley dies at 85; outspoken Catholic priest (Los Angeles Times
• Fr. Andrew Greeley, sociologist and priest-novelist, dies at 85 (National Catholic Reporter)