Cardinal Blase Cupich has told parishioners that Father Michael Pfleger, the longtime pastor of St. Sabina on Chicago’s South Side, is facing an allegation that he sexually abused a minor more than 30 years ago. Cupich has asked Pfleger to step aside from ministry for now and to live away from the parish while church officials review the claim. In the meantime, Father Thulani Magwaza will continue to serve as pastor and keep day-to-day parish life running.
Archdiocese opens review
In a letter to the St. Sabina community, Cupich said the report was sent to the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office for Child Abuse Investigations and Review, and that he had requested Pfleger temporarily leave active ministry while that office examines the allegation. The cardinal noted that the claim dates back decades and assured parishioners that pastoral leadership at St. Sabina would remain in place during the review.
The notice also states that Pfleger “strongly denied the allegation,” according to ABC7 Chicago.
Past accusations and parish response
Pfleger has led St. Sabina since 1981 and is a prominent anti-violence activist in Chicago, a high-profile role that has made every controversy around him land with extra force. In recent years he has faced multiple abuse allegations. A diocesan review board previously returned him to ministry after finding there was insufficient reason to suspect guilt, and earlier suspensions brought public shows of support from parishioners and community leaders, according to reporting by the Chicago Sun-Times.
That contentious history has left the parish deeply split at times and is likely to shape how many in the community react to this latest allegation.
How the archdiocese handles reports
The Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office for Child Abuse Investigations and Review is responsible for receiving and investigating complaints. Under archdiocesan policy, allegations are also referred to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and to law enforcement when required.
A review board evaluates the information in each case and advises the cardinal on whether there is reason to suspect wrongdoing. While cases are under review, the archdiocese says it offers victim assistance resources and support to those who come forward. Those procedures are detailed on the archdiocese’s protection-of-children pages, per the Archdiocese of Chicago.
What comes next for Pfleger and St. Sabina
The archdiocese says it will investigate the report while parish operations continue under Father Magwaza. With Pfleger’s long tenure and high public profile, both supporters and critics are expected to watch closely as the review board weighs the allegation and advises Cardinal Cupich on the next steps.
