Uploaded November 2010 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
The Rev. Dr. Michael Pfleger, pastor at the Faith Community at Saint Sabina in Chicago, is a tireless advocate for the poor and voiceless. Though a longtime Chicago figure, Fr. Pfleger gained national notoriety during the 2008 Presidential elections for his outspoken style. In this clip, he talks about why it's so important to speak out, what it means to be a voice of conscience, and the role he believes the Church should play in our lives and in society. Fr. Pfleger was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1975. In 1981, at the age of 31, he became the youngest full pastor in the diocese when he was appointed Pastor at Saint Sabina. He is the proud adoptive father of Lamar and Beronti. 1997, he became a foster father to Jarvis Franklin, who was tragically killed in 1998 as a result of gang crossfire. Since 1968, Fr. Pfleger has lived and ministered in the African American community on Chicago's South and West sides. He spent two summers working in a Native American community in Oklahoma and did his seminary internship as a Chaplin at Cook County Jail & Precious Blood Catholic Church. Fr. Pfleger has been recognized by People, Time, Ebony, Newsweek, Jet, The New York Times, The LA Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, and various Chicago outlets. He has also been profiled by 60 Minutes, the BBC, the Larry King Show, and Nightline. (Chicago, Illinois)
Interview & Camera by Erin Williams / Editing by Matt Lauterbach / Produced by Erin Williams
The Rev. Dr. Michael Pfleger, pastor at the Faith Community at Saint Sabina in Chicago, is a tireless advocate for the poor and voiceless. Though a longtime Chicago figure, Fr. Pfleger gained national notoriety during the 2008 Presidential elections for his outspoken style. In this clip, he talks about why it's so important to speak out, what it means to be a voice of conscience, and the role he believes the Church should play in our lives and in society. Fr. Pfleger was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1975. In 1981, at the age of 31, he became the youngest full pastor in the diocese when he was appointed Pastor at Saint Sabina. He is the proud adoptive father of Lamar and Beronti. 1997, he became a foster father to Jarvis Franklin, who was tragically killed in 1998 as a result of gang crossfire. Since 1968, Fr. Pfleger has lived and ministered in the African American community on Chicago's South and West sides. He spent two summers working in a Native American community in Oklahoma and did his seminary internship as a Chaplin at Cook County Jail & Precious Blood Catholic Church. Fr. Pfleger has been recognized by People, Time, Ebony, Newsweek, Jet, The New York Times, The LA Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, and various Chicago outlets. He has also been profiled by 60 Minutes, the BBC, the Larry King Show, and Nightline. (Chicago, Illinois)
Interview & Camera by Erin Williams / Editing by Matt Lauterbach / Produced by Erin Williams
