(RNS) News of McElroy’s appointment is being celebrated by the faithful who advocate for LGBTQ people, immigrants and labor rights as well as among those who stand against the politicization of the Eucharist.
Labor advocates were urged to follow the legacy of Msgr. George Higgins, the foremost "labor priest" of the 20th century, during a May 2 forum celebrating the Chicago priest's efforts on behalf of workers. "If you look around today, you can see the true measure of the impact Msgr. Higgins made on the labor movement," said Liz Shuler, AFL-CIO president. "He truly was labor's priest."