CHICAGO, IL — A priest who was ministering at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish on the city’s Near West Side has been removed after allegations that he “engaged in improper and inappropriate conversations and communications with minors and adult women,” according to a letter sent Saturday to the parish by Cardinal Blase Cupich, the Archbishop of Chicago.

Rev. Jose Molina has served as temporary minister at the parish, located in the Little Italy neighborhood, since August 2025, the letter states.

“We have received allegations that Father Molina engaged in improper and inappropriate conversations and communications with minors and adult women,” Cupich writes. “In keeping with our protection policies, I have removed his faculties to minister in the Archdiocese of Chicago.”

According to the letter, Molina is a priest of the Institute of the Incarnate Word (IVE) and has returned to the provincial house of that order. Cupich says the Archdiocese of Chicago is cooperating with IVE’s investigation.

“Moreover, as is required by our child protection policies, we have reported the allegations to civil authorities, and the persons who made the allegations have been offered the services of the archdiocese’s Office of Assistance Ministry,” Cupich’s letter states.

“I want to stress that the welfare of our parishioners, and especially the children entrusted to our care, is our paramount concern. The Archdiocese of Chicago takes all allegations of misconduct seriously. We appreciate the courage it takes to step forward and encourage others who believe they have experienced abuse or inappropriate behavior by a member of the clergy, religious or lay employee of the Archdiocese to report it to the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth. They will be received with compassion and respect.”

Complete information about reporting sexual abuse can be found on the Archdiocesan website at archchicago.org.

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