The Archdiocese of New York settlement will pay $800 million to resolve about 1,300 claims by people who say they were sexually abused by clergy and lay workers, according to attorneys and church officials.
Jeff Anderson, an attorney whose firm represents more than 250 plaintiffs, said the agreement is finalized pending signed paperwork and that all plaintiffs have agreed to the terms.
In an email to priests on Saturday, Archbishop Ronald Hicks said an agreement had been reached with plaintiffs and their lawyers, while noting it had not yet been signed. He wrote that the church is close to bringing “some measure of healing and reconciliation” to victim-survivors, and that the accord would allow the archdiocese to refocus on its ministry and services.
Scope of the Archdiocese of New York settlement
Anderson said his clients feel a mix of sorrow over their experiences and relief that the protracted legal battle is ending. He added that many believe coming forward has helped protect others and prompted reforms within the archdiocese.
The agreement ranks among the largest Catholic Church settlements tied to sexual abuse. In 2024, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles agreed to pay $880 million to victims of clergy abuse.
In December 2025, the Archdiocese of New York agreed to mediation to address the 1,300 claims and said it had laid off staff and planned to sell certain Manhattan properties to help raise $300 million for survivor payments.
Reporting contributed by Daniel Burke.
