Photo credit: Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago. (2025, January 12). In Wikipedia.
The Archdiocese of Chicago has announced that two priests, Fathers Henry Kricek and Matthew Foley, are under investigation following allegations of sexual abuse involving minors. The accusations, which date back decades, have prompted the archdiocese to take immediate action, Fox 32 Chicago reported Saturday.
Details of the Allegations
Cardinal Blase J. Cupich sent letters to multiple parishes, including St. Edward, St. Gall, St. James, St. John Bosco, St. John of the Cross, and Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier, informing them of the allegations. According to the Archdiocese of Chicago, Kricek is accused of sexually abusing a minor during his assignment at St. John Bosco Parish approximately 40 years ago, while Foley faces allegations related to his time at St. Agatha Parish 30 years ago.
Both priests have denied the allegations but have agreed to step away from ministry while investigations are conducted. Father Ricardo Castillo has been appointed as a temporary administrator to oversee affected parishes.
Archdiocese’s Response and Investigation Process
In compliance with the archdiocese’s child protection policies, those who have made allegations have been offered support through the Victim Assistance Ministry. Once the investigations are complete, the findings will be reviewed by the archdiocese’s Independent Review Board, which will determine whether Kricek and Foley will be reinstated.
Cardinal Cupich emphasized the importance of withholding judgment until the investigation concludes, stating, “We ask that you reserve judgment on this allegation until the process has concluded, as those accused are innocent until proven otherwise.” He further reinforced the archdiocese’s commitment to addressing allegations with compassion, adding, “The welfare of the children entrusted to our care is our paramount concern.”
Background of the Accused Priests
Father Henry Kricek has served at several parishes across the Chicago area throughout his career, including:
- St. Edward Parish (2001-2006)
- St. John Bosco Parish (1983-1990)
- St. John of the Cross Parish (2023-present)
- Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish (2006-2012)
- St. Peter Parish (1990-2001) and Ss. Peter and Lambert Parish (2021-2023)
- St. Thomas the Apostle Parish (1980-1983)
- Holy Guardian Angels Parish (2012-2018)
Father Matthew Foley, who is currently serving at St. Gall Parish, has previously been assigned to:
- St. James Parish (2013-2021)
- St. Norbert and Our Lady of the Brook Parish (1994-2000)
- St. Simon of Cyrene Parish (1988-1994)
- Mary, Seat of Wisdom Parish (2021-2022)
- Mision San Juan Diego (2018-2019)
- St. Agnes of Bohemia Parish (2000-2008)
The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The Archdiocese of Chicago urges anyone who has experienced sexual abuse by clergy to come forward and report their experiences.
