Archdiocese of Chicago faces lawsuits over decades of alleged abuse at Holy Angels Parish

Seven lawsuits have been filed against the Archdiocese of Chicago, alleging decades of sexual abuse involving more than 100 Black children at the former Holy Angels Parish and school in Bronzeville. The legal actions claim that the abuse occurred over several decades, with some victims as young as five years old.

Attorneys representing the victims allege that the Archdiocese was aware of the misconduct but failed to protect the children. The lawsuits name four deceased priests: George Clements, Paul Smith, John Calicott, and Kenneth Brigham. Legal representatives claim to have documented proof that the Archdiocese knew of allegations against at least four of these priests.

One lawsuit describes a continuous cycle of abuse occurring between 1969 and 2002. Attorneys noted that while John Calicott was removed from ministry in 1994 due to allegations, he was subsequently named pastor of Holy Angels the following year. The Archdiocese of Chicago has declined to comment on the pending litigation.