New York Archdiocese Reaches $800 Million Settlement in Clergy Abuse Cases
The agreement resolves claims from approximately 1,300 survivors and marks the second-largest settlement involving a Catholic archdiocese in the U.S.
The Archdiocese of New York and attorneys representing about 1,300 parishioners have reached an $800 million settlement to resolve legal claims of sexual abuse by clergy.
Archbishop Ronald Hicks confirmed the agreement in an email to clergy on Saturday. The settlement is pending finalization with the signing of the agreement, scheduled for the week of November 6. This figure represents the second-largest settlement involving a Catholic archdiocese in the United States.
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles previously agreed to a $880 million settlement in 2024 for claims from 1,000 abuse victims, in addition to $740 million in prior payments. In June, the Archdiocese of San Francisco agreed to a $395 million settlement covering about 500 lawsuits. Earlier, in December 2025, a federal judge approved a settlement where the Archdiocese of New Orleans agreed to pay at least $230 million to abuse victims.
The agreement with the New York archdiocese concludes more than seven years of litigation. The parties had agreed to a framework for the settlement in May, contingent on all claimants signing off.
"The unanimous agreement of survivors who filed claims against the Archdiocese of New York marks a powerful moment in the pursuit of justice," said Jeff Anderson, an attorney for survivors who filed over 1,000 claims. "Through their courage, sacrifice, and determination, survivors have helped bring about a reckoning and a meaningful step toward accountability."
The Archdiocese of New York encompasses the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, along with seven northern counties. It serves approximately 2.5 million Catholics and includes over 150 parochial schools and 300 churches.
In his communication, Archbishop Hicks stated that "much progress has been made" and expressed hope for "healing and reconciliation to all victim-survivors." He added that the settlement would enable the archdiocese to refocus on its mission of ministry, education, and service.
A New York law enacted in 2019 extended the window for survivors of child sexual abuse to file lawsuits against abusers and institutions that may have protected them. This law allows individuals to bring claims until the age of 55. For those who had already passed their 55th birthday when the law was enacted, an extended deadline of August 2021 was provided, regardless of when the alleged abuse occurred.