Abuse survivors approve $800 million settlement with Archdiocese of New York

Survivors of clergy sexual abuse have reached a $800 million settlement with the Archdiocese of New York, according to lawyers. This agreement resolves claims brought by approximately 1,300 individuals. The Catholic Archdiocese of New York finalized the payment in May, marking one of the largest payouts in a series of lawsuits concerning clergy sex abuse in the United States.

Jeff Anderson & Associates, representing 300 abuse survivors, hailed the settlement as a significant step towards justice. The accord ranks second among settlements reached by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 2024, which paid $880 million. The Catholic Church has disbursed billions of dollars in settlements nationwide following the enactment of laws in New York and other states that temporarily allowed victims of child sexual abuse to file lawsuits for crimes committed decades earlier.

In addition to the $800 million settlement, the archdiocese committed to disclosing documents related to sexual offenders within the Church. The settlement also permits survivors to pursue litigation against the Church's insurers for further compensation, but it prevents a bankruptcy for the archdiocese.