Archdiocese of Los Angeles to Pay $880 Million to Abuse Victims

The settlement would be the largest ever amicable settlement reached by the Catholic Church regarding abuse by priests. Los Angeles is home to some four million Catholics, making it the largest archdiocese in the United States. In 2019, California lifted the statute of limitations for child abuse. More than 1,900 allegations of abuse of minors by priests and employees of the archdiocese were subsequently made. Some of the facts date back to the 1940s.

At least 300 priests who worked for the diocese over the past few decades have been accused of sexually abusing minors, the Los Angeles Times reported, citing police and diocese documents. “No amount of money can replace what was stolen from these 1,353 people,” the victims’ attorneys said in the statement. “After decades of silent suffering, however, justice must be served by holding those responsible accountable. We are grateful to those who have come forward to hold those responsible accountable and protect other children in the future.”

“From the depths of my heart, I regret every case,” Jose Gomez, the Archbishop of Los Angeles, said in a statement, adding that he hoped the settlement would bring some healing to the women and men who suffered.