Cardinal Cupich Places Chicago Activist Priest on Leave Over Abuse Allegation

Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago announced on July 11, 2026, that Father Michael L. Pfleger, known for his social justice work, has been placed on leave after an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor said to have occurred more than 30 years ago. The allegation concerns an incident said to have taken place at St. Sabina Parish, where Pfleger is senior pastor.

Under the archdiocese's child protection policies, Pfleger has been asked to step away from ministry and to live outside the parish while the investigation proceeds. Cupich said the allegation has been reported to civil authorities and that the archdiocese's Victim Assistance Ministry has offered help to the person who brought the complaint.

The priest's response

In a statement sent to news outlets, Pfleger called the allegation "an absolute lie." He said he was told of the complaint in a phone call on July 9 from the archdiocese's vicar for priests. The woman making the complaint says the abuse occurred between 1993 and 1995.

Pfleger said he does not remember the woman or others who were at the parish during those years, and suggested the complaint could be an attempt to damage his reputation or to obtain money from the archdiocese. "I believe this is another attempt to destroy me and to get money from the Archdiocese to silence me," he said, adding that he would not allow his name and his ministry to be defamed.

The investigation

Cupich said the archdiocese does not presume an allegation to be true or false until the process is complete and the Independent Review Board makes a recommendation that he accepts. "Only through a thorough and impartial review can we ensure fairness for all involved," Cupich said.

The U.S. bishops' code, revised in June, states that the Catholic Church must act with a presumption of sincerity toward those who bring a complaint of sexual abuse, while maintaining a presumption of innocence for the accused until guilt is shown. Pfleger was cleared of earlier allegations of sexual abuse in 2021 and 2022 following independent investigations.

St. Sabina

Father Thulani D. Magwaza will continue as pastor at St. Sabina and will see that the parish's activities go forward. Cupich said he understands the distress the situation may cause in the parish community, and said the investigation process has protected the rights of all involved.

Background

Pfleger is known for his activism against racism and gun violence during his 51 years of ministry. In his statement, he said he has been "threatened, defamed and attacked" throughout his career, particularly for his opposition to the policies of the Trump administration.

The Archdiocese of Chicago has taken legal action against claims it considers fraudulent. In June, the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, allowed the archdiocese to proceed with a countersuit against claimants in settlements it alleges were fraudulent.