CHICAGO (IL)
Sun-Times
September 27, 2005
BY MAUREEN O'DONNELL Staff Reporter
The Vatican has affirmed Cardinal Francis George's decision to remove from public ministry 11 priests accused of sexual misconduct with minors, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago said Monday.
"We've notified the parishes where they served, so there is some finality to this," said Archdiocesan Chancellor Jimmy M. Lago. For the victims, "I suppose there's some positive sense that 'the archdiocese believes us.' ''
The 11 are living "in restricted, monitored settings," Lago said. Most are in a retreat house in Mundelein, while a few are in assisted living facilities, he said.
The Vatican's decision formalizes the men's removal from public ministry. They can't wear collars, won't be called "father" and are barred from performing masses, funerals, weddings or teaching, Lago said.