The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that Fr. Andrew Greeley has passed away. Fr. Greeley, an often bombastic Obama-supporting liberal, was a world famous author, a columnist, and most importantly a priest for 59 years. Say a prayer or two please.

Chicago priest, best-selling author, noted sociologist and long-time Sun-Times columnist Father Andrew Greeley died on Wednesday night. He was 85.

He passed away at his apartment at the Hancock Center, according to June Rosner, Greeley’s long-time spokesman.

Greeley’s family issued a statement, noting his 59 years in the priesthood:

“Our lives have been tremendously enriched by having the presence of Fr. Andrew Greeley in our family. First and foremost as a loving uncle who was always there for us with unfailing support or with a gentle nudge, who shared with us both the little things and the big moments of family life. But we were specially graced that this man was also an amazing priest who recently celebrated the 59th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. He served the Church all those years with a prophetic voice and with unfailing dedication, and the Church he and our parents taught us to love is a better place because of him. Our hearts are heavy with grief, but we find hope in the promise of Heaven that our uncle spent his life proclaiming to us, his friends, his parishioners and his many fans. He resides now with the Lord of the Dance, and that dance will go on.”