The Los Angeles Catholic Archdiocese has made a significant commitment to address historical injustices by agreeing to pay $880 million to settle claims from 1,353 individuals who reported being sexually abused as children by priests.
This landmark settlement represents the largest of its kind by any diocese in the United States concerning decades-old allegations.
In a heartfelt statement, Archbishop José H. Gómez expressed deep regret for the suffering endured by these individuals.
“I am sorry for every one of these incidents, from the bottom of my heart,” he remarked, emphasizing the hope that this financial settlement could aid in the healing process for the survivors.
The decision to mediate these claims follows California’s recent legislation that allows new lawsuits for past abuses involving minors, which has spurred various Catholic organizations across the nation to confront similar claims.
The impact of California’s law has led several dioceses, including those in San Francisco, Oakland, and San Diego, to seek bankruptcy protection to address numerous abuse allegations.
Archbishop expresses sorrow as the archdiocese addresses decades-old abuse through significant financial settlement.However, the Los Angeles Archdiocese has managed to avoid this route, relying on cash reserves, loans, and contributions from other religious institutions involved in the lawsuits to fund the settlement.
Archbishop Gómez assured that the payments would not detract from the archdiocese’s mission to support vulnerable communities.
Both the archdiocese’s attorneys and representatives for the claimants have acknowledged the bravery of the survivors in coming forward.
In their joint statement, they emphasized the importance of accountability in the pursuit of justice, noting that while no sum can fully compensate for the trauma endured, the settlement represents a crucial step in recognizing the pain of these individuals and preventing future abuses.