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- calendar_today October 13, 2026
New Child Abuse Lawsuits Target Chicago Archdiocese
On October 13, 2026, attorneys announced a series of new lawsuits against the Chicago Archdiocese, alleging widespread child sexual abuse at the former Holy Angels parish. The legal action centers on claims of abuse dating back decades and focuses on the experiences of young Black children in predominantly Black and historically underserved communities on Chicago's South Side.
Allegations Span Over Three Decades
The lawsuits allege that from 1969 to 2002, dozens of children were sexually abused by clergy at Holy Angels. Seven lawsuits, either filed or being filed as of Tuesday, specifically name four priests who served at the parish during this period. According to attorneys representing the plaintiffs, the cases currently involve around 30 victims, with the possibility that the number may increase as more survivors come forward.
Focus on the Black Community and Underserved Areas
Attorneys emphasized that the lawsuits reflect issues that go beyond individual wrongdoing, pointing to a deeper failure in child protection by the archdiocese. They highlighted that the majority of the alleged victims are from the Black community and South Side neighborhoods historically neglected in broader social and institutional contexts.
During a news conference, the lawyers stated that the abuse began for some children as young as five years old. They also reported working with over 100 individuals on cases similar to those described in the new filings.
Details on the Priests Named
Among the four priests named in the lawsuits is Rev. George Clements, who passed away in 2019. WGN previously reported on separate allegations against Clements, including a lawsuit accusing him of repeatedly sexually abusing a young boy from 1974 to 1979. This latest legal action deepens the scrutiny into clergy abuse cases linked to the former Holy Angels parish.
Failure to Protect and Broader Accusations
The lawsuits contend that the Chicago Archdiocese failed in its duty to protect the children of its parishes over decades. Lawyers claim that systemic factors—including the lack of safeguards for children in Black and underserved communities—exacerbated the harm and allowed abuse to continue unchecked.
Images of survivors were shared during the attorneys' statement, with details edited to protect their privacy. The legal team underscored the personal toll the alleged abuse has taken, as well as their commitment to representing other possible victims and abuse survivors who have yet to come forward.
Ongoing Developments
The lawsuits filed on October 13 contribute to ongoing sexual abuse allegations facing the Chicago Archdiocese and reinforce calls for institutional accountability. The number of claimants involved, and the scope of alleged child protection failures, highlight the continued significance of clergy abuse cases and their impact on historically underserved communities, especially on the South Side of Chicago.
Source: wgntv.com.
