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Chicago Archdiocese investigates sex abuse accusation against activist priest

July 13, 2026 · 1 min read

Father Michael Pfleger, a Catholic priest in Chicago known for his social justice work, has been removed from ministry pending the archdiocese’s review of accusations against him of sexual abuse.

Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, announced the investigation in a July 11 letter , saying that Pfleger will be removed from ministry while the archdiocese investigates the allegations.

Pfleger has pastored the predominantly Black parish St. Sabina , located on the South Side of Chicago, since 1981.

Cupich noted that Pfleger “strongly denied the allegation” of abuse alleged to have occurred more than 30 years ago at St. Sabina.

“We do not presume the truth or falsity of an allegation until the process is complete and our Independent Review Board has made a recommendation that I accept,” Cupich said. “Only by conducting a thorough and impartial review can we ensure fairness to all concerned.”

Cupich said the archdiocese has reported the allegation to law enforcement and that the archdiocese takes allegations seriously.

“I want to stress that the welfare of the children entrusted to our care is our paramount concern,” Cupich said. “The Archdiocese of Chicago takes…

Source: Catholic News Agency · Read the full story →

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Sabine Wagner

Hopefully the investigation will be truly thorough and fair, as Cardinal Cupich writes. Pfleger was at St. Sabina for over 40 years, where he is almost only known as the activist priest. Let us pray that the truth will come out, no matter what it looks like.

Christina Müller

Hopefully yes, Sabine. With so many years in a community like St. Sabina it becomes difficult to remain objective, which is why the independent review board is important. I'm just wondering whether reporting to the police would really have been possible over 30 years ago or whether it's only happening now.

Elizabeth Taylor

I hope the independent review board really does stay impartial after all those decades at St. Sabina. It’s good they reported it to the police right away, like Cardinal Cupich said. Praying the truth comes out cleanly, whatever it is.