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One of Chicago's most prominent Catholic pastors has been asked to step away from ministry and live away from his parish after the Archdiocese of Chicago announced a new allegation that he sexually abused a minor more than 30 years ago — a claim the priest is firmly and publicly denying.
Father Michael Pfleger is the St. Sabina Chicago Pastor Accused of Sexual Abuse of a Minor whose case was announced by Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, on July 11, 2026. The allegation was reported to the Archdiocese by a woman who stated she was sexually abused by Pfleger at St. Sabina Parish, located at 1210 W. 78th Place in Chicago's Auburn Gresham neighborhood, at some point between 1993 and 1995. Pfleger has been asked to step aside from ministry and move away from the parish while the allegation is investigated. Father Thulani Magwaza will continue to serve as pastor of St. Sabina during the investigation.
This marks the fifth time Father Pfleger has faced an accusation of sexual misconduct during his 51-year ministry. He was cleared of any wrongdoing in each of the prior investigations and was reinstated by the Archdiocese following each. In a public statement released Saturday evening, Pfleger called the allegation "an absolute lie" and stated he has no recollection of the alleged victim. He expressed disagreement with the Archdiocese's policy of removing a priest before any investigation or conversation has taken place, adding that he believes the accusation is an effort to damage his reputation or to obtain financial compensation from the Archdiocese.
Parishioners attending Saturday Mass at St. Sabina told reporters they stand firmly behind their pastor and believe the accusation to be false.
The Archdiocese of Chicago stated it takes all accusations seriously as well as the welfare of children entrusted to the Church's care, and that the matter is under active investigation.
The factual information above was sourced from abc7chicago.com as of July 17, 2026. The attorney commentary below is not specifically about the case reported above. Attorney commentary provided is information about these types of cases in the justice system.
When a survivor of alleged clergy sexual abuse comes forward years or decades after the alleged abuse occurred, families and survivors often wonder whether any civil legal options remain available to them. Legal Herald editor Paul Amess spoke with Illinois sexual abuse attorney Ervin Nevitt about the civil legal avenues that may exist for survivors in cases involving alleged historical sexual abuse by a member of the clergy.
Paul Amess: Ervin, when a survivor comes forward with an allegation of clergy sexual abuse that allegedly occurred more than 30 years ago, what civil legal options may still be available?
Ervin Nevitt: Cases involving alleged historical clergy sexual abuse are among the most complex civil matters we handle, but survivors should never assume that time has permanently closed the door to legal options without first speaking with an experienced attorney. Illinois has made significant changes to the laws governing statutes of limitations for childhood sexual abuse, and there are circumstances in which civil claims dating back decades may still be viable. An attorney can evaluate the specific facts and advise a survivor on what options, if any, may still apply to their situation.
Paul Amess: In cases involving a religious institution, can civil claims extend beyond the individual accused to the institution itself?
Ervin Nevitt: Institutional accountability is often central to civil cases involving alleged clergy abuse. Religious organizations have a duty to protect those in their congregations — particularly children — from those in positions of spiritual authority. When an institution's response to prior allegations, its oversight practices, or its handling of known risks is called into question, those failures can be highly relevant to civil claims against the institution alongside any claims against the individual. Survivors should speak with an experienced attorney to understand the full scope of what may be available to them.
Paul Amess: What would you say to a survivor in Illinois who experienced alleged abuse by a member of the clergy and is only now considering coming forward?
Ervin Nevitt: Coming forward takes immense courage, and no survivor should assume their legal options have expired without first getting proper guidance. An initial consultation with an experienced attorney is completely confidential and free of charge — and it is the most important step any survivor can take toward understanding their rights.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of sexual abuse by a member of the clergy or any person in a position of religious authority in Illinois, you may have the right to pursue civil action and recover financial compensation. Contact The Legal Herald today to be connected with an experienced Illinois sexual abuse attorney for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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