John Cardinal O'Connor: 1920 - 2000

John Cardinal O'Connor was the outspoken leader of America's largest Catholic diocese since 1985, reports CBS News Correspondent Bill Whitney.

Father Thomas Reese, the Editor of America Magazine says Cardinal O'Connor was never afraid to take a stand on church positions or on social issues. One area he was especially passionate about was the right to life for everyone.

He supported the church's position on abortion and gays, but also served on the President's Commission on AIDS, saying he believed in the sacredness of every life.

John O'Connor was born in Philadelphia in 1920 and was ordained a priest in 1945. He volunteered as a Navy chaplain in the Korean War and later landed with the first group of Marines in Vietnam in 1965. He retired from the Navy with the rank of Rear Admiral in 1979 and was soon named auxiliary bishop in charge of military chaplains.

In 1984, he was named Bishop of Scranton and the next year, to his surprise, was named Archbishop of New York.

During his tenure, he served the people of New York with directness and compassion. Father Reese says O'Connor's legacy will be indelible.