Woman Says Priest Victimized Her

Chicago Tribune
January 10, 1996

Chicago - A Tinley Park woman has accused a Roman Catholic priest of pursuing a 15-year sexual relationship with her that she claims caused her emotional distress and forced her to seek treatment for her depression.

The allegations are contained in a lawsuit filed in Cook County Circuit Court Tuesday that also claims the Archdiocese of Chicago was apprised of the situation but failed to take any action.

The accusations were leveled against Rev. Albert Pizza, who the unidentified woman says used his position as a priest to "victimize" her.

Until recently Pizza was pastor of St. Florian Church in Chicago's Hegewisch neighborhood. Pizza resigned from his post at the parish on Nov. 30 and has taken a leave of absence.

A spokesman for the archdiocese declined to comment.