Catholic priest removed from ministry after child molestation accusations

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A Catholic priest who was ordained less than four months ago has been removed from ministry, at least for now, as investigations are conducted into child sex abuse allegations.

Fr. Martin Nyberg was ordained at 28-years-old less than four months ago at Holy Name Cathedral.

Now, Cardinal Blase Cupich asked Nyberg to step away from ministry while civil authorities and the church’s Independent Review Board investigate. The cardinal sent letters to St. Josaphat Church in Lincoln Park where Nyberg has served as an associate pastor since July and to St. Paul of the Cross Church in Park Ridge where Nyberg served for almost a year as a deacon before he was ordained.

The letter states that there are accusations of child exploitation and child molestation against Fr Nyberg that allegedly happened during a public penance service.

Cardinal Cupich says Fr. Nyberg strenuously denies the allegations of child exploitation and child molestation that supposedly happened during a public penance service.

“Father Nyberg agreed to cooperate fully with this process, and we will provide him with pastoral assistance as he awaits its outcome. We appreciate your understanding that only with an impartial and thorough effort can we fulfill our duty to protect the young people in our care and, if the investigation warrants, restore the good name of the person so accused,” the letter read in part.

The archdiocese says it reported the accusations to authorities and has offered assistance to the accusers.

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