The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has reached an $880 million settlement over 1,354 child sexual abuse claims, making it the largest single child sex abuse settlement with a Catholic archdiocese. The lawsuits were filed under California Assembly Bill 218, which lifted the statute of limitations on past sexual abuse claims. The settlement covers remaining claims filed against the Archdiocese under the bill passed in 2019. The settlement reflects the harm done to vulnerable children and the complicity and cover-up by the Archdiocese over the years. The victims’ attorney, Morgan A. Stewart, encouraged other religious institutions within the Catholic Church to meet their responsibilities and take accountability.
Archbishop José H. Gomez expressed sorrow for the incidents and hoped the settlement would provide some healing for the survivors. The settlement will provide just compensation to the survivors while allowing the Archdiocese to continue its ministries and social programs. The archdiocese will draw from reserves, investments, loans, and other assets to finance the settlement, ensuring no designated donations to parishes or schools will be used.
This settlement could signal the end of ongoing legal battles, as the archdiocese had previously paid $660 million in 2007 to settle child sex abuse lawsuits with 500 victims. The settlement marks a significant step in addressing the harm caused to survivors of child sexual abuse by members of the Catholic Church within the archdiocese.
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