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New York Archdiocese reaches $800 million deal with 1,300 abuse claimants
The Archdiocese of New York has agreed to an $800 million settlement with about 1,300 people who say they were sexually abused by clergy members or church employees. The agreement still awaits signed paperwork, but an attorney for claimants said all had accepted its terms.
The Archdiocese of New York has reached an $800 million settlement with approximately 1,300 people who say they were sexually abused by clergy members and lay workers, church leaders and a plaintiffs’ attorney said Saturday, Oct. 24.
The agreement has not yet been signed, according to Archbishop Ronald Hicks and attorney Jeff Anderson, whose firm represents more than 250 claimants. Anderson said all plaintiffs had agreed to the deal, which is pending completion of the paperwork.
In an email to priests, Hicks said the agreement could bring “some measure of healing and reconciliation” to survivors. He also said it would allow the archdiocese to focus again on its religious and community work.
Anderson said clients felt both sorrow over the abuse and relief that the legal fight was nearing an end. He said they hoped speaking up would help protect others and prompt change within the archdiocese.
The settlement follows an agreement to enter mediation in December 2025 over the 1,300 claims. At that time, the archdiocese said it had laid off staff and planned to sell some Manhattan properties as part of an effort to raise $300 million for survivors.
The proposed $800 million payment ranks among the largest Catholic Church settlements over sexual abuse claims. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles agreed in 2024 to pay $880 million to people abused by clergy.
For survivors in New York, the agreement offers a route to compensation after years of legal proceedings. Its terms and implementation will depend on the final signed documents.