Archive · 22 May 2025
New Orleans Archdiocese to Pay Nearly $180M to Abuse Victims
The Catholic Church in New Orleans will pay nearly $180 million to people who were hurt by clergy sexual abuse.
This money is meant to help the survivors of abuse.
The church and insurance companies will provide the money.
Over 500 people are involved in the case.
Some survivors think the deal was secretly made and unfair.
The money will be given out after the church finishes the bankruptcy process.
The agreement also includes plans to prevent more abuse and support survivors.
The Archdiocese of New Orleans agreed to pay nearly $180 million to victims.
The settlement will be distributed after the church exits bankruptcy.
The agreement stems from a lawsuit filed in 2020 involving over 500 individuals.
Some survivors' lawyers said the settlement was a secret backroom deal.
The agreement includes provisions to prevent future abuse and support survivors.
- Who
- The Archdiocese of New Orleans, its parishes and several insurers, and survivors of clergy sexual abuse
- What
- A settlement of nearly $180 million to victims of clergy sexual abuse.
- When
- Announced Wednesday (May 21, 2025)
- Where
- New Orleans
- Why
- To settle a lawsuit filed in 2020 related to clergy sexual abuse.
Survivors' Perspective
Archdiocese's Perspective
Agreement Acceptance
Survivors' Perspective
Some survivors' attorneys believe the settlement was made in secret and will be voted down by survivors.
Archdiocese's Perspective
The Archdiocese of New Orleans is grateful for all who have worked to reach this agreement and that we may look to the future towards a path to healing for survivors and for our local church.
- Amount of Settlement
- $179.2 million
- Parties Involved
- Archdiocese of New Orleans, parishes, and insurers
- Purpose of Funds
- Benefit survivors of clergy sexual abuse
- Number of Claimants
- More than 500
- Status of Agreement
- Requires approval from survivors, bankruptcy court, and creditors
- Year Lawsuit Filed
- 2020
