$246M settlement between New York diocese and clergy abuse survivors approved

A bankruptcy judge in New York last week approved a $246 million settlement between the Diocese of Rochester and clergy sex abuse survivors, bringing the diocese’s years-long legal proceedings with the claimants and its insurers a step closer to final resolution.

According to a letter to the faithful of Rochester from Bishop Salvatore Matano, Judge Paul Warren approved the settlement plan Sept. 5. The diocese and its affiliated entities will contribute $55 million of the funds, while the rest will be paid for by its insurers.

As Zeale previously reported, the more than 460 survivors unanimously accepted the diocese’s settlement in July after six years of complications. The diocese had initially filed for bankruptcy in 2019 after being hit with hundreds of lawsuits alleging clergy sex abuse. Previous proposals for a settlement were struck down by bankruptcy court and the diocese’s insurer, Continental Insurance Co.

In his letter, Bishop Matano said the diocese had not expected the settlement to take so long and added that he hopes the final steps to implement the plan will be completed in the coming weeks.

He also apologized to the survivors of clergy sex abuse, saying that he is “particularly conscious that these years of waiting have added to the suffering and pain of those sexually abused and whose trust was betrayed.”

Bishop Matano later added, “I ardently pray that this conclusion will bring to the survivors, and to our Diocesan family, peace, healing, tranquility, and please God, a renewed restoration of faith in Jesus Christ, who never abandons us, especially in our darkest hours, and heals hurts where humanity fails.” He also offered survivors opportunities to meet with him if they wish, in order to give his personal support.

According to The Christian Post, a study published earlier this year by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University found that between 2004-2023, Catholic dioceses paid $5 billion in settlements to clergy sex abuse survivors. The outlet noted that the sum does not account for more recent settlements agreed upon in 2024 and 2025, which brings the figure to more than $6 billion.