Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
Archdiocese of LA will pay $880 million settlement to abuse survivors
The entrance to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, the headquarters for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles. (Damian Dovarganes/AP)
Topline:
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles will pay $880 million to settle more than 1,300 claims of childhood sexual abuse dating back decades, according to an announcement Wednesday.
The context: The action brings the total amount paid out by the Archdiocese of L.A. to more than $1.5 billion, including a 2007 settlement.
Why now: A joint statement by lawyers representing the plaintiffs and the Archdiocese of L.A. said the settlement resolves claims made against the church after a California law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2019 lifted the statute of limitations to allow survivors of childhood sexual abuse a window of time to file civil cases.
What the church says: “I am sorry for every one of these incidents, from the bottom of my heart,” Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez wrote in a letter published today on the L.A. Catholics website. “No one who has been found to have harmed a minor is serving in ministry at this time.”
What the plaintiff attorneys say: “While there is no amount of money that can replace what was taken from these 1,353 brave individuals who have suffered in silence for decades, there is justice in accountability,” lawyers for the people who will receive the settlement said in a statement.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
