With sex abuse allegations, some priests wonder: Will I be presumed innocent until proven guilty?

In brief

Some priests are questioning whether they are presumed innocent until an investigation into sexual abuse allegations is finished. This debate follows a recent case involving Father Michael Pfleger, the senior pastor of St. Sabina Catholic Church in Chicago.

In an August 24, 2026, letter to parishioners at St. Sabina, Chicago Cardinal Blase J. Cupich stated that a recent allegation against Father Pfleger was found to be unsubstantiated after a thorough review. The situation has raised questions regarding whether priests should be removed from their positions before investigations are complete.