CHICAGO (IL)
Beverly Review [Chicago, IL]
July 28, 2026
By Erin Gessert
A retired priest who formerly served as pastor of two local Roman Catholic churches is being accused of sexual abuse of a minor, the Archdiocese of Chicago announced in a letter on July 20.
The Rev. Thomas Conde led Christ the King Church from July 2007 to June 2014, and he was pastor of St. Christina from July 2014 to December 2024.
According to the letter signed by Cardinal Blase Cupich, the abuse allegedly occurred at St. James Church in Sauk Village more than 20 years ago.
Cupich said Conde strongly denied he has ever sexually abused anyone.
The archdiocese’s request to learn the exact nature of the charge by interviewing the person making the allegation has been denied by the accuser, but as a matter of transparency, the archdiocese is making it known that a lawsuit will be filed.
Cupich said he has asked Conde to step aside from all ministry to parishes and live away from any parish while the accusation is investigated.
“Only by conducting a thorough and impartial review, which includes having access to the person making the allegation,” Cupich said in the letter, “can we ensure fairness to all concerned.”
This report will be updated as details become available.