Archdiocese of New Orleans $229M Sexual Abuse Settlement

The Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of New Orleans

Individuals who suffered sexual abuse by clergy or other personnel associated with the Archdiocese of New Orleans or any of its related Catholic entities may qualify to claim a cash payment from a class action settlement.

The Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of New Orleans agreed to pay at least $229.28 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging it and its related Catholic entities failed to protect children and vulnerable individuals from sexual abuse by clergy, employees and volunteers.

Who can file a claim?

Individuals who experienced sexual abuse connected to the Archdiocese of New Orleans or any of its 157 related Catholic entities, including parishes, schools, orphanages, Catholic Charities organizations and other ministries, may be eligible to file a claim.

For the purposes of this settlement, sexual abuse includes unwanted sexual contact, exposure to sexual materials, grooming, inappropriate touching, sexualized acts between minors if encouraged or arranged by the abuser and other sexualized acts (see Question 5 of the settlement FAQ).

Class members can submit a claim regardless of whether they reported the abuse, the statute of limitations expired or they previously settled related claims (unless a prior settlement fully released the claim).

How much can class members get?

The total settlement fund is at least $229.28 million. The settlement administrator will determine individual compensation amounts based on several factors:

The severity and nature of the abuse each class member experienced
The total number of valid claims received
Results of asset sales (such as the Christopher Homes sale)
Results of litigation against non-settling insurance companies
Evaluation by a neutral third-party reviewer

How to claim a settlement payment

Individuals who previously filed a proof of claim or lawsuit against the Archdiocese or Catholic Entities on or before Aug. 14, 2025, are automatically included in the settlement and do not need to file again. Those who have not filed a proof of claim or lawsuit or who filed after Aug. 14, 2025, must file a claim form.

Class members can file the online claim form or by download, print, complete and mail the PDF claim form. The claim deadline is Dec. 2, 2025.

Settlement administrator's mailing address: Donlin, Recano & Co. LLC, Re: The Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, P.O. Box 2053, New York, NY 10272-2042

For hand delivery or overnight courier, send to: Donlin, Recano & Company LLC, c/o Angeion Group, 200 Vesey St., 24th Floor, New York, NY 10281

Is proof or documentation required to submit a claim?

Yes. Claimants must provide detailed information about the abuse, including:

The identity of the abuser (if known)
The relationship to the Catholic entity
The location and time period of the abuse
The impact of the abuse

If the claimant is represented by an attorney, incapacitated, a minor or deceased, the person filing on their behalf must provide documentation establishing their authority.

Claimants who previously filed lawsuits or claims should attach copies of complaints, claim forms or settlement agreements, if applicable.

$229.28 million settlement fund breakdown

The settlement fund of $229.28 million covers compensation to survivors of sexual abuse, settlement administration costs and other court-approved expenses. The fund consists of:

$130 million in immediate cash from the Archdiocese and Catholic entities
$20 million and $50 million in additional payments from the Archdiocese and Catholic entities
Approximately $29 million from insurance company settlements

Important dates

Deadline to file a claim : Oct. 15, 2025
Confirmation (fairness) hearing: Nov. 17, 2025
Deadline to file a claim: Dec. 2, 2025

When is the Archdiocese of New Orleans settlement payout date?

The settlement administrator will issue payments to approved claimants after the bankruptcy court approves the joint plan and the the defendants fund the settlement trust.

Why is there a class action settlement?

This class action lawsuit alleged the Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of New Orleans and related Catholic entities failed to protect children and vulnerable individuals from sexual abuse and did not take adequate steps to prevent or address abuse by clergy and church personnel.

The parties agreed to settle to provide compensation to survivors and implement child protection measures.