The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco Agrees to Historic $395M Settlement
The settlement covers approximately 530 survivors and must still be approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco has agreed to pay an estimated $395 million to settle over 500 lawsuits alleging child sexual abuse by clergy and church officials. The proposed agreement covers approximately 530 survivors and must be approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
Settlement Details
- Total Payment: The Archdiocese of San Francisco will pay an estimated $395 million in total.
- Survivors Covered: The proposed settlement covers approximately 530 individuals who alleged child sexual abuse.
- Personal Apology: Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone will write a personal apology letter to each survivor.
- Public Accountability: The archdiocese is required to publish a list of clergy accused of abuse.
- No More Silence: The agreement bans confidentiality agreements that would silence survivors.
- Oversight: A committee of survivors will oversee the distribution of funds.
Statements from Parties
Archbishop Cordileone stated that the settlement "provides a path toward fair compensation for survivors" and that the archdiocese accepts "full responsibility for what happened." He apologized to those harmed.
Plaintiffs' attorney Jeff Anderson described the settlement as requiring lasting institutional reforms.
Survivor Margie O'Driscoll, who alleged abuse by a priest approximately 50 years ago, said the settlement shifts shame from survivors to church officials.
Background
The settlement comes three years after the archdiocese filed for bankruptcy. It follows a 2019 California law that temporarily allowed previously time-barred child sexual abuse claims to be filed until December 31, 2022. This law prompted several California archdioceses to seek bankruptcy protection.
In 2024, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles agreed to an $880 million settlement. Other California dioceses have also filed for bankruptcy after facing hundreds of lawsuits.