A prominent Roman Catholic priest known for his activism has been reinstated as leader of his Chicago parish after being cleared by church officials of allegations that he sexually abused a minor decades ago.
The Chicago Archdiocese released a letter Saturday saying that a review board found “no reason to suspect” that Father Michael Pfleger was guilty of the allegations. Pfleger had stepped away from his duties as pastor of St. Sabina Church in October during the review.
Cardinal Blase Cupich said in the letter that he recognizes the “great toll” Pfleger’s absence had on the parish and said, “I am committed to do everything possible to see that his good name is restored.”
In October, a man in his late 40s said through an attorney that Pfleger abused him twice in the late 1980s during choir rehearsals in the St. Sabina rectory. That claim was similar to other allegations Pfleger faced last year involving two brothers, 40 years ago, of which he was also cleared by the archdiocese.
Church officials clear Chicago priest Pfleger of abuse claim | Crux
Church officials clear Chicago priest Pfleger of abuse claim | Crux
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