Introduction to the Allegations

A priest who served at a number of city and suburban parishes has been accused of sexual abuse of a minor about 40 years ago at Sacred Heart Parish in Melrose Park, according to a statement Saturday from Cardinal Blase Cupich.

The Accused Priest

The Rev. Curtis Lambert — who has “strenuously denied” the allegations — was pulled out of ministry and will refrain from all parish and school activities pending the conclusion of the archdiocese’s investigation. Cupich said the allegations were also reported to civil authorities.

Investigation and Response

“We do not presume the truth or falsity of an allegation until the process is complete and our Independent Review Board has made a recommendation that I accept,” Cupich wrote to the eight city and suburban parishes where Lambert had served. “Only by conducting a thorough and impartial review can we ensure fairness to all concerned. I want to stress that the welfare of the children entrusted to our care is our paramount concern.”

Background of the Accused

Lambert, a 78-year-old Oak Park native who served as vice chair and treasurer of the Presbyteral Council, on the sabbatical board and as a member of the Association of Chicago Priests, the archdiocese said.

Service History

He served as associate pastor of Englewood’s St. Basil from May 1974 to November 1976; in Dunning at St. Bartholomew from November 1976 to June 1983; at Sacred Heart and St. Eulalia in Melrose Park from 1983 to 1990 — when the alleged abuse is said to have occurred ; and Immaculate Conception and St. Michael in South Chicago from April 1991 to September 1995.

Recent Developments

He was pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes in Uptown from September 1995 to July 2007 and St. Alphonsus Liguori in Prospect Heights until 2018. He also worked as an administrator at St. Thomas Becket Parish in Mount Prospect from December 2017 to June 2018, and at St. Peter Damian Catholic Church in Bartlett in 2021.

Global Response to Clergy Abuse

Pope Leo XIV signaled commitment to continuing the fight against clergy sexual abuse by appointing France’s Bishop Thibault Verny to head the Vatican’s child protection advisory commission on Saturday.

New Leadership

Verny, 59, replaces American Cardinal Sean O’Malley, the retired archbishop of Boston. O’Malley was the founding president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, an advisory group Pope Francis established in 2014 to advise the church on best practices to fight abuse and protect children.

Evolution of the Commission

As the abuse scandal spread globally during Francis’ 12-year pontificate, the commission initially lost influence and its crowning recommendation — the creation of a tribunal to judge bishops who covered up for predator priests — went nowhere. After many years of reform and new members, it has become a place where victims can go to be heard and bishops can get advice on crafting guidelines to fight abuse.

Bishop Verny’s Background

Verny, who is currently the bishop of Chambery, France, has been a member of the commission since 2022 and heads the child protection council of the bishops conference in France, where the church has been rocked by revelations of decades and abuse by priests and bishops. He was among commission members who met with Leo last month.

Conclusion

The accusation against Rev. Curtis Lambert and the appointment of Bishop Thibault Verny reflect the ongoing efforts of the Catholic Church to address the issue of clergy sexual abuse. The church’s commitment to protecting minors and ensuring fairness in investigations is crucial in restoring trust and promoting a safe environment for all.

FAQs

• Q: Who is the priest accused of sexual abuse?
  A: The Rev. Curtis Lambert.
• Q: Where did the alleged abuse occur?
  A: Sacred Heart Parish in Melrose Park.
• Q: What is the current status of Rev. Lambert?
  A: He has been pulled out of ministry and is refraining from all parish and school activities pending the conclusion of the investigation.
• Q: Who has been appointed to head the Vatican’s child protection advisory commission?
  A: Bishop Thibault Verny of France.
• Q: What is the role of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors?
  A: To advise the church on best practices to fight abuse and protect children.