New York archdiocese finalizing $800m settlement with clergy sex abuse survivors

‘It gives closure to people, many of whom are in their 60s, 70s and even into their 80s,’ said Paul Mones, who represents some of the plaintiffs. Photograph: Gerald Herbert/AP

The Catholic archdiocese of New York is finalizing a settlement for at least $800m with more than 1,300 people who said they were sexually abused by clergy members and lay leaders, according to one of the plaintiff’s attorneys.

The agreement would resolve a long legal fight, as well as reportedly reduce the risk of the diocese going bankrupt.