Archdiocese of Los Angeles Agrees to Pay $880 Million to Settle Sex Abuse Claims
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to pay a record $880 million to settle hundreds of sex abuse claims against priests in the largest such settlement in the Catholic Church’s long-running abuse scandal.
The settlement, reached in 2007, comes after years of legal battles and negotiations between the Archdiocese and victims of abuse who accused priests of molesting them as children. The agreement represents a significant step towards closure for the victims and a significant financial burden for the Archdiocese.
The settlement covers 508 victims who accused 221 priests and lay people of abuse over several decades. The victims will receive an average of $1.3 million each, with some receiving more and some receiving less depending on the severity of the abuse they suffered.
The Archdiocese also agreed to implement new policies and procedures to prevent future abuse, including background checks for all employees and volunteers who work with children, mandatory reporting of abuse allegations to law enforcement, and increased training for clergy and staff on recognizing and preventing abuse.
Archbishop Jose Gomez, who was not in office at the time of the settlement but later apologized to the victims and their families, said in a statement that the settlement was “a just and fair resolution for the victims and allows the Archdiocese to continue its ministry of healing and reconciliation.”
The settlement was a significant financial hit for the Archdiocese, which had to sell off some of its properties and take out loans to cover the cost. However, the Archdiocese said it was committed to compensating the victims and ensuring that such abuse never happens again.
The settlement also marked a turning point in the Catholic Church’s handling of sex abuse cases, with many other dioceses following LA’s lead in settling claims and implementing new policies to prevent abuse.
While the settlement does not erase the pain and suffering endured by the victims, it is a step towards justice and accountability for the harm caused by those in positions of trust and authority. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has taken responsibility for the actions of its priests and is working towards a future where children can be safe from harm.