A north suburban Catholic priest has been accused of sexual abuse of a child that allegedly occurred about 60 years ago in India.
The Rev. Denis Manuel Carneiro, an associate pastor at St. Mary Parish in Buffalo Grove, has been removed from pastoral duties amid the allegation, according to the Archdiocese of Chicago.
He was previously a priest with the Archdiocese of Bhopal, India, which is investigating the accusation, according to Cardinal Blase Cupich.
Carneiro “strenuously denies” the allegation, Cupich said in a letter sent Saturday to parishioners.
The Archdiocese of Chicago has reported the allegation to civil authorities, Cupich said.
“I want to stress that the welfare of the children entrusted to our care is our paramount concern,” Cupich said. “The Archdiocese of Chicago takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and encourages anyone who feels they have been sexually abused by a priest, deacon, religious or lay employee to come forward. They will be received with dignity and compassion.”
Carneiro was a resident at the following parishes in Chicago and the suburbs:
- St. Mary Parish in Buffalo Grove in 2004, from 2009 to 2013, and later in 2013 to the present
- Holy Family Parish in Inverness from 1999 to 2002
- Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Dunning from 1972 to 1974, again in 1979, and from 1989 to 1999
- Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario from 1972 to 1974, again in 1979, and from 1989 to 1999
- Chaplain at St. Alexius Hospital in Hoffman Estates from 1999 to 2002