New York Archdiocese Enters Mediation With 1,300+ Sexual Abuse Claimants — Potential $300M+ Payout

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York and more than 1,300 people who say they were sexually abused by clergy and church workers have agreed to enter mediation aimed at resolving claims that span from 1952 through 2020. The talks will be mediated by retired Judge Daniel Buckley and are expected to take place over the next two months as civil trials loom.

Negotiations, Goals and Demands

Attorney Jeff Anderson, who represents roughly 300 of the 1,311 claimants, said any settlement must include full disclosure of past wrongdoing and enforceable measures to prevent future abuse in addition to financial compensation. The Archdiocese has said it hopes to reach a global settlement that provides victim-survivors with "the most financial compensation possible." To help fund potential payouts, the church says it has reduced staff, cut operating costs and listed real estate for sale to raise about $300 million.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan reiterated the Archdiocese's apology for past failures, asking forgiveness for those who betrayed trust and failed to protect young people.

“As we have repeatedly acknowledged, the sexual abuse of minors long ago has brought shame upon our Church. I once again ask forgiveness for the failing of those who betrayed the trust placed in them by failing to provide for the safety of our young people.”

Insurance Dispute And Context

The Archdiocese said its ability to compensate victims is complicated by an ongoing dispute with Chubb Insurance Companies, which has declined to cover alleged sexual misconduct under policies issued for decades before 2000. Chubb has accused the Archdiocese of tolerating and concealing child sexual abuse and has demanded greater transparency about what church leaders knew and when.

Legal observers note that a previous landmark settlement in Los Angeles — an $880 million mediated deal in 2024 resolving a similar number of claims — provides a reference point; some lawyers say the New York payout could exceed that figure. Judge Daniel Buckley, who presided over the Los Angeles mediation, will also serve as mediator in New York.

Advocates and attorneys say any meaningful resolution should combine prompt financial relief, public disclosure about past conduct, and enforceable safeguards to protect children going forward. Negotiations are expected to be intensive given the size of the claim pool, the historical span of allegations, and competing legal disputes with insurers.

Reporting

Reporting by Daniel Trotta in Carlsbad, California; Editing by Leslie Adler.