Archdiocese criticizes Obama adviser

The leader of Chicago’s Roman Catholic Archdiocese on Friday sharply criticized a former spiritual adviser to Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama after the priest mocked Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., during two sermons on Sunday.

Saying he wanted “to avoid months of turmoil in the church,” Cardinal Francis George also secured a promise from the Rev. Michael Pfleger that he will stop commenting on the presidential campaign and will refrain from mentioning candidates by name.

“The Catholic Church does not endorse political candidates,” George said in a statement. “Consequently, while a priest must speak to political issues that are also moral, he may not endorse candidates nor engage in partisan campaigning.”

“Fr. Pfleger has promised me that he will not enter into campaigning, will not publicly mention any candidate by name and will abide by the discipline common to all Catholic priests,” George said.

Obama spokesman Ben LaBolt said Pfleger voluntarily stepped down from the advisory post “a couple weeks ago.” It was unclear why he resigned, LaBolt said.