Archdiocese of New York Settles Abuse Claims for $800 Million

The Archdiocese of New York has reached an agreement to pay $800 million to settle claims brought by around 1,300 individuals. These claimants allege they suffered sexual abuse at the hands of clergy members and lay workers. Jeff Anderson, representing over 250 plaintiffs, confirmed that while final paperwork is pending, all plaintiffs have consented to the settlement.

Archbishop Ronald Hicks communicated via email to priests that, while the contract remains unsigned, consensus with plaintiffs and their attorneys exists. “We are on the brink of achieving healing and reconciliation for all victim-survivors,” Hicks mentioned. “This agreement allows the archdiocese to refocus on its core mission, which includes preaching the Gospel, healing the sick, caring for the poor, and educating our youth.”

Anderson described a mixed emotional reaction from his clients, combining grief over past abuses with relief from concluding the legal battle. He noted the importance of standing up to protect others and cleaning up the Archdiocese of New York.

The New York Times initially reported the settlement, marking one of the Catholic church’s significant resolutions related to sexual abuse claims. In a previous case in 2024, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles settled for $880 million with abuse victims. By December 2025, the Archdiocese of New York agreed to mediation for resolving the 1,300 claims and indicated plans to lay off staff and sell Manhattan properties to raise $300 million for survivor compensation. NPR’s Daniel Burke contributed to this report.