Monsignor George Higgins Dies at 86

WASHINGTON (AP) - Monsignor George G. Higgins, dubbed "the labor movement's priest" for his longtime commitment to union causes, died Wednesday at 86.

Higgins spent more than half a century as a staunch supporter of the labor movement and speaking out for social justice. He served on committees and boards of several groups, including the United Auto Workers and the Bishops' Committee for Catholic-Jewish Relations.

In August 2000, Higgins received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Clinton.

Higgins' death, in his hometown of La Grange Park, Ill., was announced by Catholic University of America, where he earned a master's degree and a doctorate and where he had lectured.

"His oftentimes controversial presence as a priest in the forefront of the organized labor movement in this country earned him both distinction among and respect from people of all faiths," said the Rev. David M. O'Connell, Catholic University president.

Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, the archbishop of Washington, praised Higgins' devotion to the labor movement. "I am sure that his voice will continue to echo for many, many years," McCarrick said.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. A funeral will be next week in Chicago.