Judge Approves $230M Settlement Requiring New Orleans Archdiocese To Compensate Hundreds Of Abuse Survivors

The New Orleans Archdiocese will pay at least $230 million to hundreds of people who say they were sexually abused by clergy, after a federal bankruptcy judge approved a long‑negotiated settlement on Monday.

Settlement Approved After Years Of Litigation

US Bankruptcy Judge Meredith Grabill approved the plan, attorney Richard Trahant — who represents many of the victims — and an archdiocese spokesperson confirmed to The Associated Press. The settlement follows years of legal negotiations and a May 2020 bankruptcy filing by the archdiocese intended to streamline resolution of the hundreds of claims.

Survivors Describe Lifelong Harm

More than 500 claimants were central to the case. Several survivors testified in court earlier this month about enduring trauma that has affected them for decades, including struggles with substance abuse, intimacy, incarceration and persistent emotional pain. Some described forgiving the church; others said forgiveness remains impossible.

“There’s no amount of money in the world,” said Chris Naquin, who testified that his abuse began at age 4 and that he spent decades in institutions and prison. “I never had a childhood and I’m just now starting my adult life at 56 years old.”

Kathleen Austin told the court she was abused hundreds of times and later watched the perpetrator continue in church roles even after leadership was aware of his behavior. She asked, “Why has it taken so long to get to this point and at such a high cost?”

Church Response And Accountability Measures

Archbishop Gregory Aymond apologized publicly outside the courthouse and said he hopes survivors can find closure and "the healing of God’s love." Aymond, 75, is preparing to hand leadership to a successor; a spokesperson said no retirement timeline is confirmed.

The settlement — which survivors overwhelmingly approved in an October vote — also includes measures intended to improve accountability and protect children going forward. Key provisions require:

• a survivor representative on the archdiocese’s internal review board that evaluates abuse claims;
• an outside expert to monitor child‑protection practices;
• adoption of a survivors’ bill of rights and a direct line for survivors to reach the archbishop with complaints; and
• creation of a public archive to release long‑withheld documents related to abuse claims.

The Vatican recently named Bishop James F. Checchio of Metuchen, New Jersey, as coadjutor archbishop of New Orleans; a coadjutor is designated to succeed the current archbishop when he retires.

Criminal Case And Wider Investigation

Some survivors’ testimony referenced criminal prosecutions. Former priest Lawrence Hecker was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to charges including rape and aggravated kidnapping. Allegations of institutional failure in New Orleans prompted a broad FBI probe and attracted extensive media scrutiny.

Survivors and advocates said the settlement offers financial relief and structural changes but stressed that legal closure does not erase the trauma they continue to live with.