The Archdiocese of New York has reached a significant milestone in the fight for justice regarding sexual abuse claims. They, along with attorneys representing around 1,300 parishioners who allege they were abused by clergy members, have agreed to an $800 million settlement. This is the second-largest settlement involving a Catholic archdiocese in the United States.
Archbishop Ronald Hicks confirmed the settlement in an email sent to clergy members, noting that the agreement will become final once all parties sign it, which is anticipated to happen during the week of November 6.
The only larger settlement in U.S. history related to sexual abuse claims was in 2024 when the Archdiocese of Los Angeles agreed to pay $880 million to 1,000 victims. In addition, they previously paid out $740 million in claims. More recently, in June, the Archdiocese of San Francisco settled for $395 million involving about 500 lawsuits, while the Archdiocese of New Orleans reached a $230 million settlement approved by a federal judge in December 2025.
This agreement with the Archdiocese of New York brings closure to more than seven years of legal disputes. A framework for this settlement was established in May, requiring all claimants to agree to the terms.
“The unanimous agreement of survivors who filed claims against the Archdiocese of New York marks a powerful moment in the pursuit of justice,” stated Jeff Anderson, an attorney representing many of the claimants. “Their courage and determination have played a crucial role in achieving accountability for the abuse they suffered.”
The Archdiocese of New York serves a vast community, covering the boroughs of the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, as well as seven counties north of New York City. It includes approximately 300 churches, more than 150 parochial schools, and serves around 2.5 million Catholics.
In his email, Archbishop Hicks encouraged clergy to reassure church members about the progress made through this settlement. “We are on the verge of being able to, please God, bring some measure of healing and reconciliation to all victim-survivors,” he wrote, emphasizing the archdiocese’s commitment to its mission of service and community care.
A law introduced in New York in 2019 allows survivors of child sexual abuse to file lawsuits against their abusers and the institutions that protected them until they turn 55. This law also provided a window for those over 55 at the time of its enactment to file claims until August 2021, regardless of when the abuse occurred.
“This is an extraordinary achievement for the survivors,” remarked Trusha Goffe, an attorney from Anderson’s firm. “Their resilience throughout years of litigation has led to this monumental settlement.”
