Priest removed by Chicago archdiocese for alleged 'inappropriate conversations'

Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune on May 11, 2026

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CHICAGO — The Archdiocese of Chicago removed a Little Italy priest accused of “improper and inappropriate conversations and communications” with children and adult women, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, the archbishop of Chicago, wrote in a Saturday letter.

The Rev. Jose Molina had been serving as the temporary minister at St. Francis of Assisi Parish since August 2025.

“We appreciate the courage it takes to step forward and encourage others who believe they have experienced abuse or inappropriate behavior by a member of the clergy, religious or lay employee of the Archdiocese to report it to the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth,” Cupich wrote.

Because Molina is a member of the Institute of the Incarnate Word religious order, he will return to its provincial house for the time being. The archdiocese will be cooperating with the order’s investigation, according to the letter.

In addition to removing him from the pulpit, the archdiocese reported the allegations against Molina to the civil authorities and offered assistance to those who made the allegations against him.

On its website, the archdiocese prominently features resources for reporting child abuse within the church, including information about a ministry offering “pastoral care, support and resources” to survivors of “clerical sexual abuse.”

The website also includes a 30-page document naming all clergy members who have had sexual abuse allegations substantiated by the archdiocese.

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