A pastor in west suburban Bartlett has been asked to step down amid decades-old sexual abuse allegations while authorities investigate, according to a statement from the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Father Christopher Ciomek, pastor of Saint Peter Damian Parish in Bartlett, was asked to “step aside from ministry following receipt by the Archdiocese of allegations of sexual abuse of a minor approximately 30 years ago,” Cardinal Blase Cupich said in a statement.
The allegations were reported to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, as well as the Cook County state’s attorney’s office, Cupich said.
Father Ciomek was asked to live away from the parish throughout the duration of the investigation.
“Allegations are claims that have not been proven as true or false,” Cupich said in the statement. “Therefore, guilt or innocence should not be assumed.”
