The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has reached an $880 million settlement over 1,354 child sexual abuse claims, making it the largest single child sex abuse settlement with a Catholic archdiocese. The lawsuits were filed under California Assembly Bill 218, which lifted the statute of limitations for civil claims of past sexual abuse involving minors. The settlement reflects the harm done to vulnerable children and the Archdiocese’s neglect, complicity, and cover-up of known serial predators. Victims’ attorney Morgan A. Stewart encouraged other religious institutions within the Catholic Church to take accountability. Archbishop José H. Gomez apologized for the incidents and expressed hope that the settlement would provide healing for the survivors. The settlement will allow the Archdiocese to continue its ministries and social programs for the community, while the administrative office will take financial responsibility, drawing from reserves, investments, loans, and other assets. Donations to parishes or schools will not be used to finance the settlement. This settlement could signal a close to ongoing legal battles, as the Archdiocese had previously paid $660 million in 2007 to settle child sex abuse lawsuits with 500 victims.
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