#USA #KS – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas announced on July 27, 2026, that it had opened an investigation into a decades-old allegation of sexual abuse of a minor against Father Denis Pickert, a priest who died in 1994.
In a statement released that day, the archdiocese said it had received the allegation against Pickert, who served at numerous parishes across the region during his ministry. Archbishop Shawn McKnight determined the claim had credibility after reviewing several factors, including input from the archdiocese’s Independent Review Board.
The announcement explicitly stated that the decision to investigate did not constitute a finding of guilt. Officials emphasized that the inquiry remained ongoing and that the archdiocese sought additional information to ensure a complete and fair process.
Pickert, who was 69 at the time of his death, had been assigned to a series of parishes in the archdiocese. These included St. Joseph Parish in Kansas City (now All Saints Parish), Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish in Topeka (formerly St. Joseph Parish), the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, St. Joseph Parish in Everest (now linked to St. Ann Parish in Hiawatha and St. Leo’s Parish in Horton), St. Peter’s Parish in Mercier (now St. Leo’s in Horton), Holy Family and St. Bridget Parishes in Summerfield (now Holy Family Parish), St. Michael Parish in Axtell, Holy Angels in Garnett, Christ the King Parish in Kansas City, Holy Trinity Parish in Paola, and St. John the Baptist Parish in Greeley.
Archbishop McKnight encouraged anyone who may have been harmed by Pickert or who possessed relevant information to come forward. The archdiocese directed individuals to contact civil authorities first and then use its confidential reporting options, including a report line at 913-276-8703 or the online form at archkck.org/reportabuse.
Local news outlets, including coverage published around July 30–31, 2026, noted that the case was among several misconduct-related announcements the archdiocese had issued in recent months. Officials reiterated their commitment to responding to survivors with urgency, respect, and compassion while investigating historical claims involving deceased clergy.
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