CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Catholic Church in Chicago admitted Friday that some priests in the archdiocese have fathered children and were financially supported by the diocese.
According to the Archdiocese of Chicago, "a very small number of priests" have fathered children. Spokeswoman Anne Maselli said that "very small number" is four.
She said the four unnamed priests remain in ministry in the archdiocese, including in parishes. She said the mothers were adult women.
Maselli said "the latest case was nearly 20 years ago," and that the oldest of the children would have been born in the 1960's.
The archdiocese said that, in every case, provisions were made for the support of the children. That support generally lasted through college.
A statement said that, out of respect for the privacy of all involved, "particularly the children," the Church will have no further comment.