The Archdiocese of New York and lawyers representing about 1,300 people who say they were sexually abused by clergy have agreed to an $800 million settlement of their legal claims.
Archbishop Ronald Hicks confirmed the agreement in a message to clergy on Saturday. The parties are expected to sign the formal settlement during the week of November 6, meaning the agreement is not yet final.
Compensation terms
Under the reported framework, each survivor would receive at least $250,000, with the possibility of a higher payment depending on the severity of the abuse described in a claim. The deal follows more than seven years of lawsuits and negotiations.
The proposed payout would be the second-largest settlement involving a US Catholic archdiocese, after the Archdiocese of Los Angeles agreed to pay $880 million in 2024. New York’s settlement would resolve claims brought by people who allege abuse by clergy over many years.
Survivors’ lawyers described the agreement as a significant step toward accountability. The settlement remains subject to formal signing, and the claims concern alleged abuse; the agreement itself does not constitute a criminal conviction of any individual.
