The Archdiocese of San Francisco has agreed to pay $395 million to settle more than 500 lawsuits alleging child sexual abuse by clergy and church officials, marking one of the largest abuse settlements in California and potentially ending a years-long bankruptcy battle.The proposed settlement covers approximately 530 survivors and requires Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone to personally write an apology letter to each survivor.It also mandates sweeping child protection and transparency reforms, including the publication of a list of clergy accused of abuse and a ban on confidentiality agreements that silence survivors.The settlement remains subject to approval by the U.S.
Bankruptcy Court.80% OF CLAIMS IN AMERICA'S LARGEST SEXUAL ABUSE SETTLEMENT IN HISTORY COULD BE FRAUDULENT, LA DA SAYSArchbishop Salvatore Cordileone will be required to write personal letters of apology to each survivor.(Liz Hafalia/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)"We believe this proposal provides a path toward fair compensation for survivors who have borne the weight of this abuse for a lifetime," Cordileone said in a prepared statement.
"The entire Catholic family is called to unite and share in the work of making amends through this proposed settlement."Cordileone said the archdiocese accepts responsibility for the abuse allegations, many of which date back decades, while pledging to continue supporting survivors and preventing future abuse."While the vast majority of sexual abuse allegations associated with this bankruptcy were from many decades ago, we accept full responsibility for what happened, and I sincerely apologize to all those who have been harmed," he said."We remain committed to the healing and care of survivors who have suffered because of past sins of Church ministers."The agreement is the latest in a wave of costly settlements involving California's Catholic dioceses after a 2019 state law temporarily revived decades-old child sexual abuse claims.JUSTICE DEPARTMEN...