New York Archdiocese Reaches $800 Million Settlement to End Sex Abuse Litigation

On May 1 2026 the Catholic Archdiocese of New York announced an $800 million agreement to resolve about 1,300 civil lawsuits alleging child sexual abuse by clergy and lay staff. The deal, mediated by retired Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Daniel Buckley, creates a trust that will receive $615 million immediately and $185 million within roughly 15 months. Survivors may choose a $250,000 “quick-pay” option or await individualized awards. The settlement also requires the archdiocese to release documents on accused clergy and to maintain an updated list of credibly accused individuals.

The Straits Times

The agreement follows the 2019 New York Child Victims Act, which temporarily lifted statutes of limitations and triggered a surge of abuse claims. Six of the state’s eight Catholic dioceses have entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy, collectively committing at least $1 billion to victims. By contrast, the New York archdiocese avoided bankruptcy, opting for a negotiated settlement that preserves its operations.

The Straits Times

Archbishop Ronald Hicks, who succeeded Cardinal Timothy Dolan, signed the settlement letter to parishioners. Attorneys Jeff Anderson, Mike Finnegan, Adam Slater, Jordan Merson and Mitchell Garabedian represent the majority of claimants. Insurer Chubb Ltd. will remain a target for additional recoveries. Judge Daniel Buckley served as mediator.

New York Post

Archbishop Hicks called the deal “a necessary step toward healing and reconciliation for a scarred church,” while acknowledging that the process has been “painful” for victims and families. He added that “suffering continues for many who live with this trauma each day, and we must recommit ourselves to ensuring these horrific misdeeds are never repeated.” Cardinal Dolan previously described the abuse as a “shameful chapter of the Church’s past.”

New York Archdiocese Strikes $800 Million Deal With Survivors

Survivors’ attorneys described the settlement as “a measure of accountability long overdue,” but warned that “this settlement cannot undo what was done to them.” Some counsel noted the agreement may provide “some but not all survivors with that validation,” and expressed doubt that the Church will ever fully grasp the scale of the abuse.

Reuters

• “It is far from full accountability, but it is a measure of responsibility,” — Jeff Anderson, attorney for survivors

The Straits Times

• “This has been a painful process - most significantly so for the victim-survivors and their families and loved ones who have suffered, in most cases, for decades,” — Archbishop Ronald Hicks

Reuters

• “It's been better for both sides to reach resolution sooner, rather than going through a long and costly bankruptcy,” — Mike Finnegan, attorney

Reuters

• “Our clients have carried the weight of this trauma for most of their lives,” — Adam Slater, attorney

New York Archdiocese Strikes $800 Million Deal With Survivors

The settlement requires unanimous survivor approval before the trust can be funded. Once ratified, the archdiocese will disburse payments, continue cooperation with insurers, and provide the agreed documents to a designated university. All pending litigation has been paused, allowing parties to finalize oversight mechanisms for future clergy conduct.

New York Archdiocese Strikes $800 Million Deal With Survivors