In a letter to the members of St. Peter Damian Parish in Bartlett on Oct. 30, Cardinal Cupich announced that he had reinstated Father Christopher Ciomek, pastor, following an investigation into allegations that he had sexually abused a minor some 30 years ago, when he was a seminarian. The investigation was announced in April. “In keeping with our procedures, Father Ciomek was asked to step aside from his pastoral duties until a thorough investigation and process could be completed,” Cardinal Cupich wrote. “The Archdiocese of Chicago, with the assistance of an independent investigative agency, conducted an investigation into those allegations. In addition, the archdiocese conducted a review of Father Ciomek’s fitness for ministry. Father Ciomek has fully cooperated with these investigations.” “Based on our investigation, the archdiocese found insufficient evidence to verify the allegations against Father Ciomek,” the cardinal continued. “I am hereby informing you that I am reinstating Father Ciomek as your pastor effective immediately.” Cardinal Cupich thanked parishioners for their patience in awaiting the results of the investigation. “Please know that we take all allegations of misconduct seriously as well as our obligation to restore the good name of those returned to ministry,” he said.
Illinois attorney general releases report on clergy sexual abuse across state's Catholic dioceses Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul released a report on sexual abuse of children by Catholic clergy in Illinois on May 23, announcing that members of his team identified 451 Catholic clerics and religious brothers who have been accused of abusing 1,997 children in Illinois’ six dioceses over the past nearly 70 years.
Father James Flynn reinstated to ministry On April 18, Cardinal Cupich sent letters to parishes where Father James Flynn served informing of his reinstatement.
Abuse expert hopes pontifical commission will be refuge for survivors The pope’s safeguarding commission, preparing to move into a fresco-ceilinged palace in Rome’s historic center, must not be merely engaged in “PR,” but become a refuge for those abused by clergy and silenced by the church, said leading safeguarding expert Jesuit Father Hans Zollner.