Fr. Michael Pflaeger

Catholic priest, anti-violence activist, and community organizer based in Chicago. Long-time pastor of Saint Sabina Catholic Church on the South Side, where he has become one of the most prominent voices in the city's anti-gun-violence movement.

Connection

Susan Johnson worked alongside Fr. Pflaeger for roughly a decade before her retirement. A deep working relationship crossing denominational lines, sustained over years of shared community work.

Why Herbert Would Be Delighted

Pflaeger is a figure who defies easy categorization — a Catholic priest doing prophetic, politically engaged ministry that Herbert would recognize and respect. The cross-denominational, social-justice-grounded collaboration that Susan carried on with him is exactly the kind of ecumenical pastoral activism that has always interested Herbert.

Cross-Connections

• Cardinal Joseph Bernardin – Pflaeger operates in the Chicago Catholic tradition that Bernardin shaped
• Joan Chittister – both are Catholic voices for justice and reform