The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has reached a significant agreement to pay $880 million to victims of clergy sexual abuse, marking what attorneys are calling the largest single child sexual abuse settlement with a Catholic archdiocese in the United States. The announcement was made on Wednesday, October 16.
Following the announcement, Archbishop José H. Gomez expressed his remorse, stating, “I am sorry for every one of these incidents, from the bottom of my heart.” He added, “My hope is that this settlement will provide some measure of healing for what these men and women have suffered," emphasizing his belief that the resolution would offer just compensation to the survivor-victims of past abuses.
The settlement comes after months of negotiations involving attorneys representing 1,353 individuals who alleged they suffered severe abuse at the hands of local Catholic priests, culminating in a quarter-century of legal battles against the archdiocese, which is the most populous in the U.S.
In a joint statement, the Plaintiffs’ Liaison Committee acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “While there is no amount of money that can replace what was taken from these 1,353 brave individuals who have suffered in silence for decades, there is justice in accountability.”
Under the terms of the settlement, the plaintiffs will participate in a distribution process that will not involve the archdiocese itself. Previously, the archdiocese had paid $740 million to victims in various settlements, and with this latest agreement, the total payout will exceed $1.5 billion.
Attorney Morgan Stewart, who led the negotiations, highlighted the significance of the settlement, noting that it reflects the urgent need for resolution for survivors who have endured decades of suffering. He also pointed out that many survivors have passed away, underscoring the importance of addressing these claims promptly.
The settlement will be financed through a combination of archdiocese investments, accumulated reserves, bank financing, and other assets. Additionally, certain religious orders and other parties named in the litigation are expected to contribute to the settlement costs