KANSAS CITY (KS)
KSNT-TV [Topeka KS]
July 28, 2026
By Matthew Self
Kansas Catholic church officials are sharing that an investigation is underway into a priest who died over 30 years ago over allegations of sexual abuse involving a minor.
The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas announced in a press release on July 27 that it has opened an investigation into Father Denis Pickert. The archdiocese said that it received an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor against Pickert.
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Pickert, who died in 1994, served at numerous Catholic churches across Kansas over the course of his life, according to the archdiocese. These include:
- St. Joseph Parish in Kansas City – currently recognized as All Saints Parish
- Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish in Topeka – formerly recognized as St. Joseph Parish
- The Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City
- St. Joseph Parish in Everest – currently recognized as St. Ann Parish in Hiawatha and St. Leo’s Parish in Horton
- St. Peter’s Parish in Mercier – currently recognized as St. Leo’s in Horton
- Holy Family and St. Bridget Parishes in Summerfield – currently recognized as Holy Family Parish in Summerfield
- St. Michael Parish in Axtell
- Holy Angels in Garnett
- Christ the King Parish in Kansas City
- Holy Trinity Parish in Paola
- St. John the Baptist Parish in Greeley
Archbishop Shawn McKnight deemed that, based on multiple factors, including input from the archdiocese’s Independent Review Board, the reported allegation against Pickert has credibility. The archdiocese now seeks to complete an investigation into the matter and is asking anyone who might have information to share regarding this situation to come forward.
“Archbishop McKnight would like to encourage anyone who may have been harmed by Fr. Pickert to come forward. The announcement of this ongoing investigation should not be understood as a determination of guilt.”Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas press release excerpt
People who have information to report regarding this investigation, or who want to report misconduct involving a church volunteer, employee, religious or clergy member, can contact the archdiocese’s confidential line by calling 913-276-8703. You can also submit reports online by clicking here.Topeka mayor addresses USD 501 school resource officer, data center concerns
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