Father Pfleger put on leave from parish

Cardinal Francis George, leader of the archdiocese of Chicago, announced this afternoon that Father Michael Pfleger, the priest who mocked Hillary Clinton last weekend, has been put on leave from his parish.

Pfleger apologized for his outburst at Trinity United Church of Christ, the spiritual home of Barack Obama for 20 years until he resigned his membership on Saturday.

But in a statement posted on the archdiocese website, George says, "To put recent events in some perspective, I have asked Father Michael Pfleger, Pastor of St. Sabina’s Parish, to step back from his obligations there and take leave for a couple of weeks from his pastoral duties, effective today. Fr. Pfleger does not believe this to be the right step at this time. While respecting his disagreement, I have nevertheless asked him to use this opportunity to reflect on his recent statements and actions in the light of the Church’s regulations for all Catholic priests. I hope that this period will also be a time away from the public spotlight and for rest and attention to family concerns."