Suburban Priest Removed From Church For 'Inappropriate Relationship' With A Man
(CBS) -- A suburban priest has been removed from his position over what the Archdiocese is calling an "inappropriate relationship," reports WBBM's Nancy Harty.
Archbishop Blase Cupich has removed Father Marco Mercado as rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines over Mercado's relationship with another man.
"The Archdiocese is committed to ensuring those serving our parishioners are fit for ministry. Archbishop Cupich knows this news will be difficult to hear and he offers his assurance of prayers and solidarity with the community at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe," the Archdiocese said in a statement.
Rev. Adan Sandoval Duron has been appointed interim administrator.
"I don't believe it," said Marie Mendoza. "I think it was a misunderstanding. But I don't think it's true."
Fr. Mercado was the Archdiocese's delegate for Hispanic ministries and just saw the pope address Congress as a guest of Congressman Luis Gutierrez.
In a statement on the shrine's website, Mercado said, "As a human being I am not perfect, but as a priest my priority has always been the work of the Gospel and the struggle for immigrants and the most vulnerable."
Mercado says he is cooperating with the investigation.