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NewsKPBS Public MediaOctober 24, 2026San Diego County

Archdiocese of New York agrees to $800 million settlement over sexual abuse claims

Photo: KPBS Public Media

The Archdiocese of New York agreed to pay $800 million to settle sexual abuse claims brought by approximately 1,300 people against clergy members and lay workers. The agreement, announced on Saturday afternoon, is pending signed paperwork but has been accepted by all plaintiffs and church leadership.

Legal SettlementsReligion
Read the full story at KPBS Public Media

Why It Matters

The $800 million settlement resolves claims for roughly 1,300 victim-survivors and ranks as one of the largest financial agreements involving sexual abuse claims within the Catholic church, following a similar $880 million settlement by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 2024.

Key Facts

  • The Archdiocese of New York agreed to pay $800 million to settle sexual abuse claims brought by about 1,300 people.
  • The claims involve allegations of abuse by clergy members and lay workers.
  • Lawyer Jeff Anderson represents more than 250 of the plaintiffs involved in the settlement.
  • Archbishop Ronald Hicks confirmed the agreement in an email to priests on Saturday afternoon, noting that the deal is pending signed paperwork.
  • The Archdiocese previously agreed to mediation in December 2025 and planned to sell Manhattan properties and lay off staff to raise $300 million toward survivor payments.
  • This settlement follows a similar $880 million agreement made by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 2024.
  • The New York Times first reported the settlement agreement.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationThe New York Times“First reported the agreement.”PersonDaniel Burke“NPR contributor who reported on the story.”OrganizationArchdiocese of New York“Reached an $800 million settlement to resolve abuse claims.”PersonJeff Anderson“Lawyer representing more than 250 plaintiffs.”OrganizationNPR“Media organization that shared and contributed reporting on the email and agreem”OrganizationArchdiocese of Los Angeles“Agreed to a $880 million settlement in 2024.”PersonRonald Hicks“Archbishop who emailed priests regarding the settlement.”