CV NEWS FEED // On July 26, the Los Angeles Archdiocese announced that it will pay $60 million to settle 45 of over 500 sexual abuse claims against its priests.
Reuters reported that the settlements are for claims made against 22 priests. The Los Angeles Archdiocese will cover approximately $40 million of the settlement costs for the 45 cases nearing resolution, with insurance companies and religious orders contributing the remaining amount.
Lead attorney for the plaintiffs, Ray Boucher, noted that while the settlements have been announced, they are not yet finalized, and final details are expected to be resolved in the coming weeks.
The report shares that Cardinal Roger Mahoney, who served as Archbishop of Los Angeles from 1985-2011, expressed hope that the settlement would help victims move forward with their lives, and offered his prayers for their healing.
“The sexual abuse of minors is both a sin and a crime, and there is no place in the priesthood for those who have abused children.” Cardinal Mahony stated.
In several lawsuits, Mahoney has been pointed out as bearing significant responsibility in perpetuating sexual abuse in the Archdiocese by either ignoring credible allegations against priests or simply transferring those credibly accused.
Joelle Casteix, southwest regional director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), expressed hope that this settlement represents “the first step toward healing for the victims.”
