(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - A Catholic priest who was removed from ministry last year after allegations were made that he sexually abused a minor years earlier has been cleared to return.
Cardinal Blase Cupich sent letters to parishes saying the allegations against Rev. William Killeen are unsubstantiated.
Someone came forward last year saying they were sexually abused 40 years earlier while Killeen was serving at Saint Patricia in Hickory Hills. Allegations that the Cardinal said were shared with prosecutors.
Killeen retired in 2019 but was occasionally celebrating mass at churches in LaGrange and Western Springs.
The letter from the Cardinal said his time away from ministry “has been challenging.” He wrote that it was “determined that there is not reasonable cause to believe Father Killeen sexually abused a minor.”
He has been returned to the ministry, and the file is closed.
Here is Cardinal Cupich's full letter:
October 24, 2024
Dear St. Alexander Parish Family,
Last year, I wrote to you about Reverend William Killeen, a retired priest who served in your parish as an associate pastor from May 1975 to June 1982. The Archdiocese had received an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor while Father Killeen was assigned to St. Patricia Parish more than 40 years ago. In keeping with our child protection policies, the allegation was reported to civil
authorities and the person making the allegation was offered the services of our Victim Assistance Ministry. Father Killeen cooperated with my direction to remain out of ministry while the allegation was investigated.
The Archdiocese Independent Review Board met this week to evaluate the results of the investigation. They determined that there is not a reasonable cause to believe Father Killeen sexually abused a minor. In addition, the Board recommended that Father Killeen be returned to ministry and that the file be closed. After prayerful consideration, I have accepted their recommendations and restored Father Killeen’s faculties to minister in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The welfare of the children entrusted to our care is our paramount consideration.
Consequently, we take seriously all allegations of sexual misconduct. It is to the credit of our priests that they support our child protection policies. They understand that only by applying a meticulous and impartial process to all allegations can we remain committed to our work of assisting survivors
and, with the help of independent advisors, thoroughly evaluate all allegations.
At the same time, I am committed to restoring the good name of those so accused if the case is unsubstantiated. To that end, I publicly affirm that Father Killeen is a priest in good standing and express sincere appreciation for his many years of service to the People of God in the Archdiocese
of Chicago. This period away from ministry has been challenging for him. He deserves our respect and gratitude and I hope you will join me in thanking him for his long-standing dedication. In closing, I encourage anyone who believes they have been abused by a priest, deacon, religious or lay employee to come forward. You will be received with respect and compassion. To report abuse please refer to the Archdiocesan website at www.archchicago.org.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Archbishop of Chicago
Blase Cupich
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