The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles has reached an unprecedented $880 million settlement with 1,353 survivors of sexual abuse, marking the largest agreement of its kind by any U.S. diocese. The claims stem from decades-old allegations of abuse by Catholic priests.
Archbishop Jose H. Gomez expressed deep sorrow while announcing the settlement on Wednesday. “I am profoundly sorry for each of these tragic incidents,” he said in a public statement. “My hope is that this settlement will help provide healing to those who have suffered so much.”
This settlement is notable not only for its size but also for how the Archdiocese is addressing the financial obligations. Unlike other dioceses in California—such as San Francisco, Oakland, and San Diego—that have sought bankruptcy protection due to similar claims, the Los Angeles Archdiocese reached this agreement without resorting to bankruptcy. According to Archbishop Gomez, the funds will come from cash reserves, investments, loans, and contributions from other religious organizations named in the lawsuits. He assured that these payments will not hinder the Archdiocese’s mission of “serving the poor and vulnerable in our communities.”
The settlement follows California’s passage of a law that allowed victims of past abuse to file new lawsuits. Similar laws in other states have led many Catholic organizations to file for bankruptcy as they face mounting legal challenges over historic abuse cases.
In a joint statement, attorneys for both the Archdiocese and the Plaintiffs’ Liaison Counsel representing the survivors praised the bravery of those who came forward. “There is no amount of money that can undo the pain and trauma endured by these 1,353 courageous individuals,” the Plaintiffs’ Liaison Counsel said. “But through this settlement, justice is served, and accountability is established.”
The settlement, while an important step for those affected, highlights ongoing efforts across the U.S. to bring justice to survivors of clergy abuse. This landmark agreement sends a powerful message about the Church’s responsibility to address these long-buried wrongs and ensure the protection of children in the future.
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