Father Michael Pfleger was asked to "step back from his obligations" at St Sabina's parish for two weeks, according to a statement by Archbishop Cardinal Francis George.

"Fr Pfleger does not believe this to be the right step at this time," George said in the statement.

"While respecting his disagreement, I have nevertheless asked him to use this opportunity to reflect on his recent statements and actions in the light of the Church's regulations for all Catholic priests."

Video of a sermon Pfleger gave last month at Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ made the Internet rounds just as Obama's presidential campaign was moving past controversial sermons that the candidate's former minister, the Rev Jeremiah Wright, had given.

Obama recently resigned from the church, citing ongoing controversies there.