In an email to CNA Monday, Pfleger said that he is “just grateful to have this over with … it is painful to have your name, reputation, and character assaulted so publicly knowing you are innocent.”
“I hope we can create a process to protect children but also not make the priest be treated as if he is guilty until proven innocent … Many priests feel as though they are waiting targets. … Grateful that the cardinal reinstated me and grateful to my congregation that stood by me and believed in me,” he wrote.
In the archdiocese’s October announcement about the allegations against Pfleger, it said that the allegation was reported to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and law enforcement officials, per diocesan policy.
CNA reached out to the DCFS for comment but did not immediately receive a response before publication.
In a letter to the parishioners of St. Sabina, Cupich said: “Thank you for your patience and prayers during the absence of your senior pastor, Father Michael Pfleger.
“In accordance with our policies for the protection of children and youth, the archdiocese Independent Review Board, assisted by our Office of Child Abuse Investigation and Review and outside investigators, conducted a thorough review of the allegations.
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