Archdiocese of Chicago Statement Regarding Fr. Clovis Javier Vilchez-Parra

Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago
February 25, 2015

http://www.archchicago.org/

Archbishop Cupich

The Archdiocese of Chicago has learned that Fr. Clovis Javier Vilchez-Parra, Associate Pastor at Misión San Juan Diego in Arlington Heights, was charged with possession and reproduction of child pornography on February 24, 2015.  The Archdiocese is grateful for the vigilance law enforcement exercises in the protection of children.  The exploitation of any child is a crime and a sin that deserves swift attention by all responsible adults.

Based on this information pertaining to Fr. Clovis Javier Vilchez-Parra, Archbishop Blase J. Cupich has accepted the recommendation of the Independent Review Board that Fr. Vilchez-Parra be withdrawn from ministry pending the resolution of this matter.

Under our justice system, Fr. Vilchez-Parra is innocent until proven guilty.  The Church stands ready to cooperate fully with the civil authorities as part of our commitment to the safety of children. 

The Archdiocese encourages anyone who has been sexually abused by a priest, deacon, religious, lay employee or volunteer, to come forward to the civil authorities or the Archdiocese.  Complete information about reporting sexual abuse can be found on the Archdiocesan website under Protecting Children at www.archchicago.org or by calling the Office for Child Abuse Investigations and Review, 312-534-5205 or 1-800-994-6200, or the Office of Assistance Ministry, 312-534-8267 or toll-free at 866-517-4528.