An unidentified married couple has sued the Rev. Thomas R. Szydlik and the Catholic Diocese of Peoria, alleging the priest impregnated the married woman and then pushed her toward an abortion procedure, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Sunday.

Their lawsuit alleges Szydlik first met the woman at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Peoria, Ill., in 2004 when he heard her confession and followed her to Madison County in 2006 in an attempt to foster a relationship.

The 23-count lawsuit is asking for at least $50,000 in damages, the Post-Dispatch said.

Diocesan officials and Szydlik have offered no comments regarding the allegations.