Two Chicago priests under investigation for alleged sexual abuse of minors: archdiocese

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The Brief

Two Chicago priests, Fathers Henry Kricek and Matthew Foley, are under investigation for alleged sexual abuse of minors, with both stepping away from ministry pending the outcome.

The Archdiocese of Chicago has offered support services to those making the allegations through its Victim Assistance Ministry.

Results of the investigations will be reported to the Independent Review Board, determining whether Kricek and Foley will be reinstated.

CHICAGO-Two Chicago priests are under investigation for alleged sexual abuse of minors, the Archdiocese of Chicago announced Saturday.

Both priests, who have served at several parishes, have stepped down while the investigations are underway.

Chicago Priests Face AllegationsWhat we know

[1 link] Archdiocese Cardinal Blase J. Cupichsent letters to the parishes of St. Edward, St. Gall, St. James, St. John Bosco, St. John of the Cross, Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier, and several others regarding the allegations against Fathers Henry Kricek and Matthew Foley.

Kricek was asked to step away from ministry after the archdiocese received an allegation of sexual abuse involving a minor during his assignment at St. John Bosco Parish 40 years ago.

Although Kricek denies the allegation, he has agreed to cooperate and will step away during the investigation.

Foley was asked to step away after the archdiocese received an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor during his assignment at St. Agatha Parish 30 years ago. He also denied the allegation but has stepped away pending further investigation.

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(From left) Fathers Matthew Foley and Henry Kricek.

(Archdiocese of Chicago)

Father Ricardo Castillo will serve as temporary administrator, effective immediately, according to the archbishop.

In line with the archdiocese's child protection policies, those who are making the allegations have been offered services from the Victim Assistance Ministry.

What's next

Once the archdiocese completes its investigations, the results will be reported to its Independent Review Board. The results will determine whether Kricek and Foley are reinstated.

What they're saying

"We ask that you reserve judgment on this allegation until the process has concluded, as those accused are innocent until proven otherwise," said Cupich.

"I want to stress that the welfare of the children entrusted to our care is our paramount concern. The Archdiocese of Chicago takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and encourages anyone who feels they have been sexually abused by a priest, deacon, religious or lay employee to come forward. They will be received with dignity and compassion," the archbishop added.

The backstory

Kricek served at these Chicago-area parishes:

St. Edward Parish: July 2001 - June 2006

St. John Bosco: June 1983 - June 1990

St. John of the Cross Parish: Currently serves; Has been here since July 2023

Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish: July 2006 - June 2012

St. Peter Parish: June 1990 - July 2001 ; Ss. Peter and Lambert Parish - July 2021 - June 2023

St. Thomas the Apostle Parish: May 1980 - June 1983

Holy Guardian Angels Parish: July 2012 - June 2018

Foley served at these parishes:

Currently serves at St. Gall Parish

St. James Parish: July 2013 to June 2021

St. Norbert and Our Lady of the Brook Parish: July 1994 - May 2000

St. Simon of Cyrene Parish: Jan. 1988 - June 1994

Mary, Seat of Wisdom Parish: July 2021 - June 2022

Mision San Juan Diego: Sept. 2018 - June 2019

St. Agnes of Bohemia Parish: June 2000 - July 2008

We'll bring more updates to this story as they become available.

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