Pray for Greeley

The Man Who Gave the World Blackie Ryan is in critical condition after fracturing his skull in a "freak fall" yesterday:

The outspoken priest had just lectured before a religious conference in Rosemont, and had taken a taxi to the nearby River Road Blue Line L stop.

As [Andrew] Greeley, 80, exited the taxi, his jacket snagged in the door and he fell down and hit his head around3:30 p.m. Friday, according to Rosemont police and friends.

“Right now he’s critical but stable, very stable,” his niece, Laura Durkin said. “Doctors are hopeful and pleased with his progress from last night to today. They’re pleased with his current condition.”

Greeley, a Chicago-born Catholic priest, has written more than 50 novels, including best sellers that offer tales of international intrigue. His Sun-Times columns tackle the issues of the day, including his unique take on religion and politics.

He was lecturing Friday at a convention of the Religious Education Association, which is being held at a hotel near O’Hare Airport, Durkin said.

In his fall, Greeley fractured his skull and the left orbital bone near his eye, his friend and attorney Terry Goggin said.

He suffered bleeding on the brain, and doctors installed a monitor in his skull to gauge pressure on his brain, Goggin said. C-T scans are also being used to monitor his injuries.

Greeley was transferred from the emergency room at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge to the surgical intensive care unit, Goggin said.

Other than the implantation of the pressure monitor, he has not had surgery, Goggin said.

Although swollen and bruised, Goggin said his color looked good and he was resting Saturday.

“He looked good this morning,” Goggin said. “He was resting comfortably.

“You know, he’s a fighter and a tough guy. He was restless last night. He’s got everything they want in a patient. All the signs are very positive.”

Goggin praised the doctors and nurses at Lutheran General, saying “they’ve been just wonderful.”

Topic of Greeley's latest Sun-Times column? Guess.

PHOTO: Jean Lachat/Chicago Sun-Times

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