Priest from Mexico accused of sexual abuse of minor while visiting Chicago, Archdiocese says

CHICAGO (WLS) — A priest from Mexico who has visited Chicago is accused of sexually abusing a minor in the city years ago, the Archdiocese of Chicago said in a letter on Sunday.

Father Ernest Tovar-Trejo is from the Diocese of Tampico, Mexico.

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Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, says the father celebrated Mass without the proper permission at Maternity of the Blessed Mother Church on West North Avenue in Humboldt Park.

Father Tovar-Trejo been told he can not minister as a priest while he is under investigation.

“Our responsibility for the welfare of the children entrusted to our care is of paramount importance to us,” a statement from the Archdiocese read in part. “The Archdiocese of Chicago encourages anyone who feels they have been sexually abused by a priest, deacon, religious or lay employee to come forward. They will be received with dignity and compassion.”

No further information was immediately available.