The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to an $880 million settlement over 1,354 child sexual abuse claims, the largest such settlement with a Catholic archdiocese. The lawsuits were filed under California Assembly Bill 218, which lifted the statute of limitations for civil claims of past sexual abuse involving minors. The agreement covers remaining claims filed under the bill and reflects the harm done to vulnerable children and the neglect and cover-up by the Archdiocese. Archbishop José H. Gomez expressed regret and hope that the settlement will provide healing to the victims. The settlement will be funded by the archdiocese’s administrative office using reserves, investments, loans, and assets, and not by designated donations to parishes or schools. This settlement may bring an end to ongoing legal battles, as the archdiocese had previously paid $660 million to settle child sex abuse lawsuits in 2007. The plaintiffs’ attorney emphasized the importance of other religious institutions within the Catholic Church taking accountability for similar abuses. The archdiocese stated that the settlement will allow them to continue their ministries and social programs serving the community.
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$880M child sex abuse settlement reached by Archdiocese of L.A. for hundreds of claims
