Retired Chicago priest reinstated to church after sexual abuse allegations, Archdiocese says

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A retired priest of the Chicago-area is being reinstated to the church after being accused of sexually abusing a minor.

The allegations against Monsignor Daniel Mayall came in February 2025. At the time, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich announced he would remain out of ministry and school activities during an investigation.

Six months after the letter, Cupich announced that Mayall would be reinstated.

"While he strenuously denied the allegation, he fully complied with my request and cooperated with the investigation," Cupich said in the letter. "After receiving the results of the thorough investigation, the IRB determined that there is not a reasonable cause to believe Monsignor Mayall sexually abused the person making the accusation. In addition, the IRB recommended that Monsignor Mayall be reinstated to ministry. I have accepted their recommendation effective immediately."

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Mayall was accused of sexual abuse against a minor while he was assigned to St. Francis Borgia Parish approximately 30 years ago, the Archdiocese said. He served as the parish's pastor from July 1993 to January 2002, a letter to the parish read.

"We encourage 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," Cupich said.

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