A federal bankruptcy judge has approved a $230 million settlement that will compensate roughly 600 survivors of sexual abuse by priests, deacons, and other personnel of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans.
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Meredith Grabill confirmed the plan on Monday after a three-week trial, with emotional testimony from about 20 survivors. The agreement also requires the archdiocese to adopt new policies to identify, disclose, and prevent future abuse.
“This legal thing may end, but the trauma done to us will not ever end,” survivor Neil Duhon testified on December 2, describing his 1975 rape by serial pedophile priest Lawrence Hecker, according to The Guardian.
Grabill, visibly moved, told survivors in court, “I heard you and ached for you,” adding, “I would like you to know how valuable and powerful your voices are.”
The archdiocese, the nation’s second-oldest, sought Chapter 11 protection in May 2020 as it faced more than 500 abuse claims. A separate agreement in principle with insurer Travelers would add $75 million, potentially raising the total to $305 million, pending Grabill’s approval.
Archdiocesan attorney Mark Mintz said funds from the church and 150 affiliates will be placed in a trust by December 26, with payments to survivors expected in early 2026. Individual awards will be calculated using a points system that considers the severity of abuse and its lifelong impact.
The New Orleans settlement is the third-largest from more than 40 U.S. Catholic bankruptcy cases tied to clergy abuse, trailing the $323 million agreement reached by the Diocese of Rockville Centre, N.Y.
Other major U.S. Catholic clergy abuse settlements include:
- Los Angeles: $880 million in 2024 to more than 1,000 victims, pushing the archdiocese’s total payouts above $1.5 billion.
- San Diego: $198 million in 2007 to more than 140 claimants.
- Oregon Province of the Society of Jesus: $166 million in 2011 to more than 450 Native American and Alaska Native victims.
- Orange, California: $100 million in 2004 to about 90 victims.
- Boston: $85 million in 2003 to more than 500 claimants.
- Covington, Kentucky: more than $81 million in 2006 to more than 200 victims.
- Philadelphia: more than $78 million as of 2022 to 438 claimants.
- Wilmington, Delaware: $74 million in 2011 to roughly 150 victims.
- Portland, Oregon: nearly $90 million by 2007 to settle more than 300 claims.
- Oakland, California: $56 million in 2005 to 56 survivors.
Survivor Tim Trahan said outside court Monday he now felt like “a victor” rather than a victim. In contrast, others called the legal fees exceeding $50 million and the points-based compensation system dehumanizing.
Archbishop Gregory Aymond, who has led the archdiocese since 2009, defended updated child-protection measures as “even more tight … and something more specific” than past efforts.
Pope Leo XIV has named Archbishop James Checchio of Metuchen, N.J., to succeed Aymond, who is retiring in the coming months.
