The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to pay a staggering $880 million to victims of clergy sexual abuse dating back decades, marking the largest single child sex abuse settlement with a Catholic archdiocese. This brings the total payout by the Archdiocese to more than $1.5 billion, as they had previously paid $740 million to victims in past settlements. Archbishop José H. Gomez expressed his sorrow for the incidents, stating that he hopes this settlement will bring some measure of healing to the survivors. The agreement came after months of negotiations with attorneys representing 1,353 individuals who suffered abuse at the hands of local Catholic priests.
Attorneys for the victims described the settlement as a form of justice for those who have suffered in silence for decades. The agreement caps a lengthy period of litigation against the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, which is known for being the most populous in the United States. Under the terms of the settlement, the plaintiffs will engage in a process to allocate the settlement amount among themselves, excluding the archdiocese from this decision-making process. The settlement will be funded by a combination of archdiocese investments, accumulated reserves, bank financing, and other assets, with certain religious orders and other entities also contributing to cover some of the costs.
The settlements were reached after negotiations led by attorney Morgan Stewart, who emphasized the importance of providing closure and compensation to the survivors. Stewart highlighted the significant impact of the abuse on the victims, many of whom have passed away or are aging, emphasizing the urgency of resolving the claims. While money cannot fully replace what was taken from the survivors, the plaintiffs hope that this settlement will provide some level of accountability and closure. The Archdiocese has also pledged to better protect its church members moving forward, as part of its commitment to addressing the issue of clergy sexual abuse and supporting the survivors.
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has faced a long history of allegations of clergy sexual abuse, leading to years of legal battles and settlements. The $880 million payout to victims represents a significant step towards addressing the harm caused by these abuses and providing some form of justice to the survivors. The victims and their attorneys expressed relief and satisfaction at finally reaching a resolution after a prolonged period of negotiations. The settlement sends a message of accountability and responsibility on the part of the Archdiocese, as they take steps to acknowledge and compensate for the pain and suffering experienced by the survivors of clergy sexual abuse.
As part of the settlement agreement, the plaintiffs will have the opportunity to determine how the settlement amount will be allocated among them, providing them with a sense of empowerment and control over the process. The Archdiocese has committed to covering a substantial portion of the settlement using its own funds, along with contributions from other entities involved in the litigation. While the financial payout cannot erase the trauma endured by the survivors, it represents a recognition of their suffering and a step towards healing and closure. The settlement also underlines the importance of holding those responsible for clergy sexual abuse accountable and ensuring that survivors receive the support and justice they deserve.
