New York archdiocese agrees to $800M settlement

The Archdiocese of New York has reached a preliminary agreement to pay more than $800 million to approximately 1,300 people alleging sexual abuse by clergy and lay leaders. According to The New York Times, the settlement includes a minimum one-time payment of $250,000 for each claimant, though amounts may increase based on the severity of each case.

As part of the agreement, the archdiocese would publish and maintain an updated list on its website of the names of clergy and lay leaders against whom there are credible accusations. The settlement may also help the archdiocese avoid bankruptcy. To secure the agreement from remaining claimants, including heirs of deceased survivors, the archdiocese negotiated an additional $20 million from an insurer to be divided equally among them.

Lawyers for the claimants stated the deal was closed and approved by all affected parties. However, archdiocesan spokesperson Joseph Zwilling noted that the parties are still working to complete the agreement. This settlement follows a 2024 agreement by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to pay $880 million to 1,000 victims.