A priest in suburban Des Plaines was removed from his parish by Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich for having an “inappropriate relationship with an adult man,” ABC 7 reported Oct. 4.
Rev. Marco Mercado served as rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and was Cupich’s delegate to Hispanic ministries. He was a guest of U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez when Pope Francis addressed Congress Sept. 24.
Mercado was officially removed on Oct. 1, according to the Chicago Archdiocese’s website. In a statement, he asked for prayers and apologized for any hardships the scandal caused.
Cupich said in a statement, “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.”
ABC 7’s story is at abc7chicago.com/religion/archdiocese-removes-suburban-priest/1015333/.