Chicago priest is put on leave
Chicago Cardinal Francis George asked Father Michael Pfleger to take a leave to “reflect on his recent statements” regarding New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and her bid for the White House.
During a guest sermon at Sen. Barack Obama’s former church last week, Pfleger mocked Clinton, saying she felt entitled to the Democratic nomination for president.
Pfleger’s comments, along with past controversial statements by Trinity United Church of Christ’s former longtime pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr., led Obama to resign his membership.
Pfleger, 59, has apologized. His leave from St. Sabina Catholic Church is expected to last about two weeks.
Officials have said the Catholic Church does not endorse political candidates.
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