Chicago priest removed amid child molestation investigation

A priest at St. Josaphat Parish in Lincoln Park, Fr. Martin Nyberg, has been removed from his duties amid serious allegations of child exploitation and molestation. The decision was made by Cardinal Blase Cupich following a two-day overnight retreat where multiple students reported inappropriate sexual questions posed by Nyberg during confession. Parents expressed their concerns after hearing their children recount the incidents, which included questions about sexual purity. Despite complaints from parents and students, school officials initially downplayed the situation, suggesting that Nyberg was young and had made a mistake. Parents were frustrated by the lack of immediate action and the slow response from the pastor of St. Josaphat Parish. They felt that the school was not taking the allegations seriously enough, leading to a heated meeting where parents shared their children's experiences. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has since opened an investigation into the allegations, which have been described as serious and concerning. Parents were informed that DCFS had previously declined to investigate, which added to their frustration. Fr. Nyberg, who was recently assigned to St. Josaphat, had previously served as a deacon at another parish. The community is now awaiting further information regarding the investigation and the implications for Nyberg and the parish.